Thermoplastic resins for network applications

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to the use of thermoplastic resins in millimeter wave network applications. More specifically, it relates to polyamide materials meeting the requirements of dielectric performance in such applications.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. Non-Provisionalapplication Ser. No. 17/221,519 filed on Apr. 2, 2021, which is acontinuation of International Application No. PCT/IB2021/052093, filedon Mar. 12, 2021, which application claims priority to, and incorporatesherein by reference, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/989,105 filedon Mar. 13, 2020, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/142,081, filed onJan. 27, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/154,035, filed onFeb. 26, 2021, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entireties.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to thermoplastic resins in millimeterwave network applications suited for 5G (abbreviated for the 5thGeneration of mobile device communication) related technology. Thedisclosed resins can be used to make enclosures or housings for anelectronic component that can receive or transmit electromagneticsignals in the high-frequency radio and microwave regimes.

BACKGROUND

World-wide communications technology advancements are heading towardsfaster, reliable and affordable products and services. Technologies suchas 4G LTE and 5G have been evolving to cater to the needs of the globalconsumer base.

In recent years, the 5G wireless communication technology, inparticular, is advancing at a much faster pace. The 5G coverage can beseparated into two regimes in the electromagnetic spectrum: i)millimeter waves (mmWave), and ii) low-/mid-band. The mmWave technologyuses frequencies in the 6-100 GHz range, for example, above 24-25 GHz,for example, in the range of 28-39 GHz, while the low-/mid-frequencyband uses frequencies below 6 GHz.

One of the hurdles in mmWave 5G communication network is that itrequires newer and more transmitters to function properly. This is dueto its range being severely limited as compared to low and mid-bandnetworks. Also, there is a problem of mmWave 5G network getting throughphysical obstacles like buildings and structures. This would limit one'stransmission range, which is undesirable from a consumer adopting thistechnology.

Material used in antenna concealment assemblies have generally beencustomized structures comprising fiberglass, fiberglass reinforcedplastic (“FRP”), polyurethane foam, ABS plastic, other compositematerial, or both. These materials have offered a reasonable degree ofstructural integrity and strength as well as a reasonable degree ofradio frequency (RF) transparency for lower-frequency cellularapplications. Such customized structures and material choices, whenimplemented on a pervasive scale, are, however, less feasible forhigher-spectrum broadband and satellite applications due to extreme RFtransparency requirements.

Approaches to developing low transmission loss materials have includedHitachi Chemical's low dielectric material, AS-400HS, in which Hitachireported improved electric properties and workability compared topolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and aromatic liquid crystal polymers(LCP), examples of which can be found at New Low Transmission LossMaterial for Millimeter-wave Radar Module “AS-400HS”, Hitachi ChemicalTechnical Report No. 58, Tanigawa et al. Additional approaches todeveloping low transmission loss materials have included low-densityfoam enclosures and panels such as those used with the RayCapINVISIWAVE™ product.

There remains a need to provide material with suitably hightransmissibility for mm wave applications while at the same timeproviding structurally useful tensile strength, and toughness andimproved durability.

SUMMARY

The disclosure relates to thermoplastic resin comprising a polyamide andat least one of a second polyamide or an additive.

The polyamide can comprise nylon-6, nylon-6,6, mixtures thereof, orcopolymers thereof. The polyamide can further include a nylon-6;nylon-6,6; a copolymer thereof that includes at least one repeating unitof poly(hexamethylene terephthalamide), poly(hexamethyleneisophthalamide), or a copolymer of poly(hexamethylene terephthalamide)and poly(hexamethylene isophthalamide); a mixture thereof a copolymerthereof or a combination thereof.

The additive can be selected from the group consisting of a reinforcingfiber, an ultraviolet resistance additive, a flame retardancy additive,an anti-static additive, an impact modifier, a colorant, a moisturerepellant, and a mixture thereof.

The disclosure also relates to articles formed of the thermoplasticresin of the disclosure, such as, e.g., enclosures or parts ofenclosures of telecommunication equipment like RF transmitter/receiverantennas, circuitry, or combinations thereof.

There are many advantages and unexpected properties associated with thedisclosed subject matter. For example, according to various aspects,panels including nylon-6,6 are able to provide good mechanical strength,especially when glass fibers are included in the nylon-6,6, whileproviding adequate transmissibility properties. This is unexpected dueto the hygroscopic nature of nylon-6,6. The hygroscopic nature ofnylon-6,6 is thought to allow too much moisture uptake, which is thoughtto destroy transmissibility. However, the inventors have, surprisingly,found that this is not the case.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way oflimitation, various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a graph showing moisture gain data for 1.5 mm thick testspecimen plaques measured according to the ISO 1110 Procedure, accordingto various examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a graph showing moisture gain data for 3.0 mm thick testspecimen plaques measured according to the ISO 1110 Procedure, accordingto various examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (ordry) specimen at a designated frequency, according to various examplesof the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B shows reflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on theX-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (or dry) specimen at a designatedfrequency, according to various examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3C shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet)specimen at a specified frequency, according to various examples of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3D shows the reflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm onthe X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet) specimen at a specifiedfrequency, according to various examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (ordry) specimen at a designated frequency, according to various examplesof the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B shows reflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on theX-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (or dry) specimen at a designatedfrequency, according to various examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4C shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet)specimen at a specified frequency, according to various examples of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 4D shows the reflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm onthe X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet) specimen at a specifiedfrequency, according to various examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (ordry) specimen at a designated frequency, according to various examplesof the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B shows reflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on theX-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (or dry) specimen at a designatedfrequency, according to various examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5C shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet)specimen at a specified frequency, according to various examples of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 5D shows the reflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm onthe X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet) specimen at a specifiedfrequency, according to various examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (ordry) specimen at a designated frequency, according to various examplesof the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B shows reflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on theX-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (or dry) specimen at a designatedfrequency, according to various examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6C shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet)specimen at a specified frequency, according to various examples of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 6D shows the reflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm onthe X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet) specimen at a specifiedfrequency, according to various examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (ordry) specimen at a designated frequency, according to various examplesof the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B shows reflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on theX-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (or dry) specimen at a designatedfrequency, according to various examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7C shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet)specimen at a specified frequency, according to various examples of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 7D shows the reflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm onthe X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet) specimen at a specifiedfrequency, according to various examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8A shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (ordry) specimen at a designated frequency, according to various examplesof the present disclosure.

FIG. 8B shows reflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on theX-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (or dry) specimen at a designatedfrequency, according to various examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8C shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet)specimen at a specified frequency, according to various examples of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 8D shows the reflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm onthe X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet) specimen at a specifiedfrequency, according to various examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9A shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (ordry) specimen at a designated frequency, according to various examplesof the present disclosure.

FIG. 9B shows reflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on theX-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (or dry) specimen at a designatedfrequency, according to various examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9C shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet)specimen at a specified frequency, according to various examples of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 9D shows the reflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm onthe X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet) specimen at a specifiedfrequency, according to various examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10A shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (ordry) specimen at a designated frequency, according to various examplesof the present disclosure.

FIG. 10B shows reflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on theX-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (or dry) specimen at a designatedfrequency, according to various examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10C shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet)specimen at a specified frequency, according to various examples of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 10D shows the reflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm onthe X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet) specimen at a specifiedfrequency, according to various examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11A shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (ordry) specimen at a designated frequency, according to various examplesof the present disclosure.

FIG. 11B shows reflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on theX-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (or dry) specimen at a designatedfrequency, according to various examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11C shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet)specimen at a specified frequency, according to various examples of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 11D shows the reflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm onthe X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet) specimen at a specifiedfrequency, according to various examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12A shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (ordry) specimen at a designated frequency, according to various examplesof the present disclosure.

FIG. 12B shows reflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on theX-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (or dry) specimen at a designatedfrequency, according to various examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12C shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet)specimen at a specified frequency, according to various examples of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 12D shows the reflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm onthe X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet) specimen at a specifiedfrequency, according to various examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13A shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (ordry) specimen at a designated frequency, according to various examplesof the present disclosure.

FIG. 13B shows reflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on theX-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (or dry) specimen at a designatedfrequency, according to various examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13C shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet)specimen at a specified frequency, according to various examples of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 13D shows the reflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm onthe X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet) specimen at a specifiedfrequency, according to various examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14A shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (ordry) specimen at a designated frequency, according to various examplesof the present disclosure.

FIG. 14B shows reflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on theX-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (or dry) specimen at a designatedfrequency, according to various examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14C shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet)specimen at a specified frequency, according to various examples of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 14D shows the reflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm onthe X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet) specimen at a specifiedfrequency, according to various examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15A shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (ordry) specimen at a designated frequency, according to various examplesof the present disclosure.

FIG. 15B shows reflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on theX-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (or dry) specimen at a designatedfrequency, according to various examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15C shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet)specimen at a specified frequency, according to various examples of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 15D shows the reflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm onthe X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet) specimen at a specifiedfrequency, according to various examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16A shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (ordry) specimen at a designated frequency, according to various examplesof the present disclosure.

FIG. 16B shows reflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on theX-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (or dry) specimen at a designatedfrequency, according to various examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16C shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet)specimen at a specified frequency, according to various examples of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 16D shows the reflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm onthe X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet) specimen at a specifiedfrequency, according to various examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17A represents a cyclone plot showing insertion loss (dB) dataaccording to Example 18 of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17B represents a cyclone plot showing insertion loss (dB) dataaccording to Example 18 of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18A represents array antenna data measured at an azimuth of 0°,according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18B represents array antenna data measured at an azimuth of 30°,according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18C represents array antenna data measured at an azimuth of 60°,according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18D represents array antenna data measured at an azimuth of 0°,according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18E represents array antenna data measured at an azimuth of 30°,according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18F represents array antenna data measured at an azimuth of 60°,according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a low transmission loss panel,according to various examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20A is a perspective view of a panel or enclosure including windowsaccording to Comparative Example 1 of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20B is a perspective view of a panel or enclosure including windowsaccording to Comparative Example 1 of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20C is a perspective view of a panel or enclosure including windowsaccording to Comparative Example 1 of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21A is a perspective view of a windowless panel or enclosureaccording to Example 26 of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21B is a perspective view of a windowless panel or enclosureaccording to Example 26 of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21C is a perspective view of a windowless panel or enclosureaccording to Example 26 of the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 represents a cyclone plot showing insertion loss (dB) dataaccording to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23A represents array antenna data measured at an azimuth of 0°according to Example 28 of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23B represents array antenna data measured at an azimuth of 30°,according to Example 28 of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23C represents array antenna data measured at an azimuth of 60°,according to Example 28 of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23D represents array antenna data measured at an azimuth of 0°,according to Example 28 of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23E represents array antenna data measured at an azimuth of 30°,according to Example 28 of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23F represents array antenna data measured at an azimuth of 60°,according to Example 28 of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

Reference will now be made in detail to certain aspects of the disclosedsubject matter, examples of which are illustrated in part in theaccompanying drawings. While the disclosed subject matter will bedescribed in conjunction with the enumerated claims, it will beunderstood that the exemplified subject matter is not intended to limitthe claims to the disclosed subject matter.

Throughout this document, values expressed in a range format should beinterpreted in a flexible manner to include not only the numericalvalues explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also toinclude all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassedwithin that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitlyrecited. For example, a range of “about 0.1% to about 5%” or “about 0.1%to 5%” should be interpreted to include not just about 0.1% to about 5%,but also the individual values (e.g., 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) and thesub-ranges (e.g., 0.1% to 0.5%, 1.1% to 2.2%, 3.3% to 4.4%) within theindicated range. The statement “about X to Y” has the same meaning as“about X to about Y,” unless indicated otherwise. Likewise, thestatement “about X, Y, or about Z” has the same meaning as “about X,about Y, or about Z,” unless indicated otherwise.

In this document, the terms “a,” “an,” or “the” are used to include oneor more than one unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term“or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive “or” unless otherwise indicated.The statement “at least one of A and B” has the same meaning as “A, B,or A and B.” In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology orterminology employed herein, and not otherwise defined, is for thepurpose of description only and not of limitation. Any use of sectionheadings is intended to aid reading of the document and is not to beinterpreted as limiting; information that is relevant to a sectionheading may occur within or outside of that particular section.

In the methods described herein, the acts can be carried out in anyorder without departing from the principles of the disclosure, exceptwhen a temporal or operational sequence is explicitly recited.Furthermore, specified acts can be carried out concurrently unlessexplicit claim language recites that they be carried out separately. Forexample, a claimed act of doing X and a claimed act of doing Y can beconducted simultaneously within a single operation, and the resultingprocess will fall within the literal scope of the claimed process.

The terms “about” or “substantially” as used herein can allow for adegree of variability in a value or range, for example, within 20%,within 15%, within 10%, within 5%, or within 1% of a stated value or ofa stated limit of a range, and includes the exact stated value or range.

The term “polyamide” as used herein refers to polymer having repeatingunits linked by amide bonds. Polyamides may arise from monomerscomprising aliphatic, semi-aromatic or aromatic groups. Polyamideincludes nylons, e.g., nylon-6,6 or nylon-6, and may refer to polyamidesarising from a single monomer, two different monomers, or three or moredifferent monomers. The term polyamide thus includes dimonomericpolyamides. The polyamide may be a nylon having as monomer units adicarboxylic acid monomer unit and a diamine monomer unit. For example,if the dicarboxylic acid monomer unit is adipic acid and the diamine ishexamethylene diamine, the resulting polyamide can be nylon-6,6. Nylon-6is a polyamide having a caprolactam monomer. The polyamide may becopolymers which may be prepared from aqueous solutions or blends ofaqueous solutions that contain more than two monomers. In variousaspects, polyamides can be manufactured by polymerization ofdicarboxylic acid monomers and diamine monomers. In some cases,polyamides can be produced via polymerization of aminocarboxylic acids,aminonitriles, or lactams. Suitable polyamides include, but are notlimited, to those polymerized from the monomer units described herein.The term “polyamide” includes polyamides such as PA6, PA66, PA11, PA12,PA612, Nylon-66/6T. However, this term can be modified, when done soexpressly, to exclude particular polyamides. For example, in someaspects, the polyamide can be a polyamide other than PA11, PA12, andPA612; or the polyamide can be a polyamide other than Nylon-66/6T.

The term “N6,” “nylon-6,” or “PA6” as used herein, refers to a polymersynthesized by polycondensation of caprolactam. The polymer is alsoknown as polyamide 6, nylon-6, and poly(caprolactam).

The term “N66,” “nylon-6,6,” or “PA66” as used herein, refers to apolymer synthesized by polycondensation of hexamethylenediamine (HMD)and adipic acid. The polymer is also known as Polyamide 66, nylon-66,nylon-6-6, and nylon-6/6.

The polymers described herein can terminate in any suitable way. In someaspects, the polymers can terminate with an end group that isindependently chosen from a suitable polymerization initiator, —H, —OH,a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C20)hydrocarbyl (e.g., (C1-C10)alkylor (C6-C20)aryl) interrupted with 0, 1, 2, or 3 groups independentlyselected from —O—, substituted or unsubstituted —NH—, and —S—, apoly(substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C20)hydrocarbyloxy), and apoly(substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C20)hydrocarbylamino).

In the present disclosure, the terms “DAM” or “dry” refer to thedry-as-molded test specimens.

In the present disclosure, the terms “wet” or “cond” or “conditioned”refer to the conditioned test specimens.

The term “substantially uniform attenuation” means the reduction insignal strength across a sample of uniform thickness when anelectromagnetic signal crosses the thickness of the sample in adirection normal to the surface of the sample.

The term “attenuation coefficient,” as used herein, refers to acalculated value for the measured wave attenuation (or loss) in decibels(dB) as the wave signal of a certain frequency (in GHz) passes through amedium of ca certain structural thickness (in cm). The unit of measurefor the attenuation coefficient is dB/GHz·cm. As an illustration,attenuation coefficient value of 1.0 dB/GHz·cm means 1.0 dB of wave lossper 1 unit of GHz per 1 cm medium thickness.

Compositions

The present disclosure relates to materials exhibiting low transmissionlosses for electromagnetic signals at frequencies associated with a 5Gnetwork.

The low transmission loss material can include at least one polyamide.The polyamide can be PA6; PA4,6; PA6,6; PA6,9; PA6,10; PA6,12; PA10,12;PA12,12; PA6; PA11; PA12; PA66/6T; PA6I/6T; PADT/6T; PA66/6I/6T; orblends thereof, such as PA6/PA66. In some examples, the polyamide caninclude 6I repeating units (hexamethylene isophthalamide), 6T repeatingunits (polyhexamethylene terephthalamide) or a combination of 6I/6Trepeating units. When a combination of 6I and 6T repeating units ispresent the 6I and 6T repeating units can be present in any suitableweight ratio, for example, weight ratios from about 96:4 to about 10:90wt:wt of 6I:6T, about 80:20 to about 20:80 wt:wt, about 70:30 to about30:70 wt:wt, or about 60:40 to about 40:60 wt:wt or 6I:6T. In someexamples the polyamide can be PA66:DI with a molar weight ratio betweenPA66 and DI in a range of 85:15 to 96:4 (wt:wt).

As used herein, “PA66/DI” refers to a type of co-polyamide ofpolyhexamethyleneadipamide (nylon-6,6 or N66 or PA66) and “DI” which isa combination of 2-methyl-pentamethylenediamine (or “MPMD”) andisophthalic acid. MPMD is commercially available as INVISTA Dytek® Aamine and industrially known as “D” in the abbreviated formulationlabeling. Isophthalic acid is commercially available and industriallyknown as “I” in the abbreviated formulation labeling. The formulation“PA66/DI” used in the examples of the present disclosure had an RV of45, and a composition of 92:8 PA66:DI (wt/wt), with the “DI” part beingabout 40:60 D:I (wt/wt). Other non-limiting co-polyamides suitable foruse in place of the PA66/DI used in the present examples include 66/D6,66/DT, 6T/DT, 66/610, or 66/612.

The polyamide can include nylon-6 (e.g., PA6) and nylon-6,6 (e.g.,PA6,6). The polyamide can be nylon-6,6 and the composition canoptionally be substantially free of all other polyamides (e.g.,nylon-6,6 can be the only polyamide used to form the composition).

In some examples, the polyamide can range from about 30 wt % to about100 wt % of the enclosure, about 50 wt % to about 95 wt %, less than,equal to, or greater than, 30 wt %, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75,80, 85, 90, 95, or 100 wt %. In some examples, the polyamide canconstitute the majority of the enclosure material with minor amounts ofa fiber (e.g., glass fibers, carbon fibers, basalt, aramid, polymeric,silica, mineral fibers, or mixtures thereof), additives, or mixturesthereof. In some examples, the enclosure described herein consist of (apolyamide and a fiber. In some examples, the enclosure described hereinconsist of a polyamide, a fiber, and an additive. In some examples, theenclosure can consist of nylon-6,6, and a fiber. In some examples, theenclosure can consist of nylon-6,6, a glass fiber, and an additive. Insome examples, the enclosure can consist of nylon-6,6.

The low transmission loss material can be adapted to have a density in arange of from about 0.7 g/cm³ to about 10 g/cm³, 0.7 g/cm³ to about 5g/cm³, about 2 g/cm³ to about 5 g/cm³, about 0.75 g/cm³ to 4 g/cm³, 0.8g/cm³ to about 4 g/cm³, about 0.8 g/cm³ to about 3 g/cm³, 0.85 to about3 g/cm³, or, equal to, or greater than about 0.7 g/cm³, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0,1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4,2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8,3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0, 5.1, 5.2,5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6.0, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6,6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7.0, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8.0,8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 9.0, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4,9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9, or about 10.0 g/cm³.

Suitable polyamides according to this disclosure have sufficient tensilemodulus and tensile strength values to allow an apparatus formed fromthe polyamides to withstand environmental stresses. As an example,suitable polyamides include those having a tensile modulus in a rangefrom 1,000 MPa to 50,000 MPa, for example, 1,000 MPa to 40,000 MPa, forexample, 1,000 MPa to 30,000 MPa. As an example, suitable polyamidesinclude those having tensile strength from 30 MPa to 400 MPa, 35 MPa to300 MPa, 40 MPa to 280 MPa, less than, equal to, or greater than about30, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, or 400 MPa.

In some examples, a PA66 with 20 wt % GF can have a tensile strength ina range of from about 100 MPa to about 150 MPa at a temperature of 50°C. and from about 70 MPa to about 100 MPa at a temperature of about 23°C. In some examples, a PA66 with 30 wt % glass fiber can have a tensilestrength in a range of from about 140 MPa to about 190 MPa at atemperature of 50° C. and from about 100 MPa to about 130 MPa at atemperature of about 23° C. In some examples, a PA66 with 20 wt % glassfiber can have a tensile strength in a range of from about 100 MPa toabout 150 MPa at a temperature of 50° C. and from about 70 MPa to about100 MPa at a temperature of about 23° C. In some examples, a PA66 withpolyphenylene ether can have a tensile strength in a range of from about45 MPa to about 65 MPa at a temperature of 50° C. and from about 40 MPato about 55 MPa at a temperature of about 23° C. In some examples, aPA66 with polyphenylene ether and 20 wt % glass fiber can have a tensilestrength in a range of from about 100 MPa to about 130 MPa at atemperature of 50° C. and from about 80 MPa to about 100 MPa at atemperature of about 23° C.

Additionally, suitable polyamides further include those within thetensile strength or tensile modulus ranges above that exhibit toughnessin the un-notched Charpy impact test at 23° C. from 30 KJ/m² tonon-break, for example 40 KJ/m² to 200 KJ/m², 40 KJ/m² to 150 KJ/m²,equal to, or greater than 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130,140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, or 200 KJ/m². In some examples, a PA66with 20 wt % glass fiber can have an un-notched Charpy impact value in arange of from about 98 KJ/m² to about 110 KJ/m² at a temperature of 50°C. and from about 53 KJ/m² to about 72 KJ/m² at a temperature of about23° C. In some examples, a PA66 with 30 wt % glass fiber can have anun-notched Charpy impact value in a range of from about 110 KJ/m² toabout 120 KJ/m² at a temperature of 50° C. and from about 89 KJ/m² toabout 100 KJ/m² at a temperature of about 23° C. In some examples, aPA66 with polyphenylene ether can have an un-notched Charpy impact valuein a range of from about 240 KJ/m² to about 340 KJ/m² at a temperatureof 50° C. and from about 310 KJ/m² to about 370 KJ/m² at a temperatureof about 23° C. In some examples, a PA66 with polyphenylene ether and 20wt % glass fiber can have an un-notched Charpy impact value in a rangeof from about 73 KJ/m² to about 76 KJ/m² at a temperature of 50° C. andfrom about 79 KJ/m² to about 82 KJ/m² at a temperature of about 23° C.In some examples, a PA66 with 20 wt % glass fiber can have a notchedCharpy impact value in a range of from about 10 KJ/m² to about 22 KJ/m²at a temperature of 50° C. and from about 7 KJ/m² to about 8.5 KJ/m² ata temperature of about 23° C. In some examples, a PA66 with 30 wt %glass fiber can have a notched Charpy impact value in a range of fromabout 15 KJ/m² to about 27 KJ/m² at a temperature of 50° C. and fromabout 11 KJ/m² to about 14 KJ/m² at a temperature of about 23° C. Insome examples, a PA66 with polyphenylene ether can have a notched Charpyimpact value in a range of from about 24 KJ/m² to about 35 KJ/m² at atemperature of 50° C. and from about 20 KJ/m² to about 23 KJ/m² at atemperature of about 23° C. In some examples, a PA66 with polyphenyleneether and 20 wt % glass fiber can have a notched Charpy impact value ina range of from about 11 KJ/m² to about 14 KJ/m² at a temperature of 50°C. and from about 11 KJ/m² to about 12 KJ/m² at a temperature of about23° C.

The polyamide can be a neat polyamide. The polyamide can be a singlepolyamide. The polyamide can be a copolymer. The polyamide material canbe a blend of polyamides. The polyamide material can comprise a blend ofmaterials or compounds that are not polyamides. Examples of suchmaterials or compounds can include additives and reinforcing fibers.Other examples of such materials or compounds can include polyetherssuch as polyphenylene ether (PPE) and polyolefins such as polyethylene,polypropylene, polybutylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS)resin, polybutylene terephthalate (TBT), propylene carbonate (PC), andblends thereof.

The reinforcement of polyamides can be carried out by incorporating, forexample, glass fibers, carbon fibers, basalt, aramid, polymeric, silica,or mineral fibers in the polyamide melt, for example from an extruder.When present, the reinforcing fibers can be in a range of from about 5wt % to about 50 wt % of the panel 100, about 10 wt % to about 30 wt %,less than, equal to, or greater than about 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30,31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48,49, or 50 wt %.

In addition to, or instead of including the reinforcing fibers, thepolyamide material can further include at least one additive or packageof additives. Where present, the at least one additive or package ofadditives can be in a range of from about 0.1 wt % to about 60 wt %, forexample from about 0.5 wt % to about 55 wt %, for example from about0.75 wt % to about 50 wt %, based on the total polyamide material.Examples of additives or packages of additives can include ultravioletradiation resistance additives, flame retardancy additives, anti-staticadditives, impact modifiers, color additives (e.g., pigments), heatstabilizer additives, and moisture repellency additives. In someexamples, an article including the polyamide can include a flameretardancy coating disposed on an external surface of the article.

Examples of suitable impact modifying additives can include a maleatedpolyolefin. Examples of suitable maleated polyolefins include maleatedpolyolefins available under the trade designation AMPLIFY™ GR, which arecommercially available from Dow Chemical Co., Midland Mich., USA(examples include Amplify™ GR 202, Amplify™ GR 208, Amplify™ GR 216, andAmplify™ GR380), maleated polyolefins available under the tradedesignation EXXELOR™ available from ExxonMobil, Irving Tex., USA(examples include Exxelor™ VA 1803, Exxelor™ VA 1840, Exxelor™ VA1202,Exxelor™ PO 1020, and Exxelor™ PO 1015), maleated polyolefins availableunder the trade designation ENGAGE™ 8100 available from Dow ElastomerMidland Mich., USA, and maleated polyolefins available under the tradedesignation BONDYRAM® 7103 available from Ram-On Industries LP.

Examples of suitable flame retardants include, for example,organophosphorus compounds such as organic phosphates (includingtrialkyl phosphates such as triethyl phosphate,tris(2-chloropropyl)phosphate, and triaryl phosphates such as triphenylphosphate and diphenyl cresyl phosphate, resorcinolbis-diphenylphosphate, resorcinol diphosphate, and aryl phosphate),phosphites (including trialkyl phosphites, triaryl phosphites, and mixedalkyl-aryl phosphites), phosphonates (including diethyl ethylphosphonate, dimethyl methyl phosphonate), polyphosphates (includingmelamine polyphosphate, ammonium polyphosphates), polyphosphites,polyphosphonates, phosphinates (including aluminum tris(diethylphosphinate); halogenated fire retardants such as chlorendic acidderivatives and chlorinated paraffins; organobromines, such asdecabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE), decabromodiphenyl ethane, polymericbrominated compounds such as brominated polystyrenes, brominatedcarbonate oligomers (BCOs), brominated epoxy oligomers (BEOs),tetrabromophthalic anyhydride, tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) andhexabromocyclododecane (HBCD); metal hydroxides such as magnesiumhydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, cobalt hydroxide, and hydrates of theforegoing metal hydroxide; and combinations thereof. The flame retardantcan be a reactive type flame-retardant (including polyols which containphosphorus groups,10-(2,5-dihydroxyphenyl)-10H-9-oxa-10-phospha-phenanthrene-10-oxide,phosphorus-containing lactone-modified polyesters, ethylene glycolbis(diphenyl phosphate), neopentylglycol bis(diphenyl phosphate), amine-and hydroxyl-functionalized siloxane oligomers). These flame retardantscan be used alone or in conjunction with other flame retardants.

Examples of suitable ultraviolet additives include ultravioletabsorbers, quenchers, hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS), ormixtures thereof. Ultraviolet absorbers are a type of light stabilizerthat functions by competing with the chromophores to absorb ultravioletradiation. Absorbers change harmful ultraviolet radiation into harmlessinfrared radiation or heat that is dissipated through the polymermatrix. Carbon black is an effective light absorber. Another ultravioletabsorber is rutile titanium oxide which is effective in the 300-400 nmrange. Hydroxybenzophenone and hydroxyphenylbenzotriazole are alsosuitable ultraviolet stabilizers that have the advantage of beingsuitable for neutral or transparent applications.Hydroxyphenylbenzotriazole is not very useful in thin parts below 100microns. Other ultraviolet absorbers include oxanilides for polyamides,benzophenones for polyvinyl chloride and benzotriazoles andhydroxyphenyltriazines for polycarbonate. Ultraviolet absorbers have thebenefit of low cost, but may be useful only for short-term exposure.Quenchers return excited states of the chromophores to ground states byan energy transfer process. The energy transfer agent functions byquenching the excited state of a carbonyl group formed during thephoto-oxidation of a polymeric material and through the decomposition ofhydroperoxides. This prevents bond cleavage and ultimately the formationof free radicals. Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers are long-term thermalstabilizers that act by trapping free radicals formed during thephoto-oxidation of a polymeric material and thus limiting thephotodegradation process. The ability of Hindered Amine LightStabilizers to scavenge radicals created by ultraviolet absorption isexplained by the formation of nitroxy radicals through a process knownas the Denisov Cycle. Although there are wide structural differences inthe Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers, most share the2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine ring structure. Hindered Amine LightStabilizers are proficient UV stabilizers for a wide range of polymericmaterials. While Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers are also veryeffective in polyolefins, polyethylene, and polyurethane, they are notuseful in polyvinyl chloride. Non-limiting examples of optionaladditives include adhesion promoters, biocides, anti-fogging agents,anti-static agents, anti-oxidants, bonding, blowing and foaming agents,catalysts, dispersants, extenders, smoke suppressants, impact modifiers,initiators, lubricants, nucleants, pigments, colorants and dyes, opticalbrighteners, plasticizers, processing aids, release agents, silanes,titanates and zirconates, slip agents, anti-blocking agents,stabilizers, stearates, ultraviolet light absorbers, waxes, catalystdeactivators, and combinations thereof.

Non-limiting examples of optional additives include adhesion promoters,biocides, anti-fogging agents, anti-static agents, anti-oxidants,bonding, blowing and foaming agents, catalysts, dispersants, extenders,smoke suppressants, impact modifiers, initiators, lubricants, nucleants,pigments, colorants and dyes, optical brighteners, plasticizers,processing aids, release agents, silanes, titanates and zirconates, slipagents, anti-blocking agents, stabilizers, stearates, ultraviolet lightabsorbers, waxes, catalyst deactivators, and combinations thereof.

Articles Made of a Thermoplastic Resin of the Disclosure

The thermoplastic resin presented in this disclosure have industrialutility in the wireless network infrastructure. Hence, the disclosurefurther relates to articles formed of the thermoplastic resins disclosedherein. Such compositions can be used in many areas includingcommunication devices, electronics, and electric power systems.Exemplary articles formed of the thermoplastic resin include, withoutlimitation, power cable terminations, miniatured antenna, antennaconcealment, cell phone casings, housing for electronic component, powertransformer/power conditioner, optical fiber, fiber termination box,radios, diplexer/multiplexer, coaxial cable, and their combinations. Thearticle can take the form of an enclosure for electronic equipment or aportion of an enclosure for electronic equipment. When the article is aportion of an enclosure, the article can be a panel.

FIG. 19 shows an example of panel 100, according to the presentdisclosure. According to various aspects, an enclosure can be formedfrom a plurality of joined panels 100. Alternatively, an enclosure canbe formed by contouring panel 100, as described further below. Theformed panel 100 can be characterized by its dielectric constant. Forexample, a dielectric constant of the panel 100 including the polyamidecan be in a range of from about 2.50 to about 4.00 in the 3-40 GHzfrequency range, about 2.75 to about 3, less than, equal to, or greaterthan about 2.50, 2.60, 2.70, 2.80, 2.90, 3.00, 3.10, 3.20, 3.30, 3.40,3.50, 3.60, 3.70, 3.80, 3.90, or about 4.0. These values can bemeasured, e.g., using Active Standard Test Method (ASTM) D2520. Theformed panel 100 can be further characterized by its dissipation factor(DF), which can be in a range of about 0.004 to about 0.025, about 0.010to about 0.020, less than, equal to, or greater than about 0.004, 0.006,0.007, 0.008, 0.009, 0.010, 0.011, 0.012, 0.013, 0.014, 0.015, 0.016,0.017, 0.018, 0.019, 0.020, 0.021, 0.022, 0.023, or 0.024 in the 3-40GHz frequency range. These values can be measured, e.g., using ASTMD2520. An attenuation of panel 100 can be from 1 dB to 0 dB for a signalof frequency 500 MHz to 6 GHz and a panel thickness from 0.5 mm to 6 mm,for a signal of frequency 24 GHz to 30 GHz and a panel thickness from0.5 mm to 4.5 mm, for a signal of frequency 36 GHz to 40 GHz and a panelof thickness from 0.5 mm to 4 mm, or for a signal of frequency 76 GHz to81 GHz and a panel thickness from 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm.

When the frequency is 500 MHz to 6 GHz, signal impingement angle withthe surface is 90±5°, the composition is selected from any of thethermoplastic resins of Table 1 and the desired attenuation is from 1 dBto 0 dB, then suitable thicknesses can be between 0.5 mm and 6 mm.

When the frequency is 24 GHz to 30 GHz, signal impingement angle withthe surface is 90±5°, the composition is selected from any of thethermoplastic resins of Table 1 and the desired attenuation is from 1 dBto 0 dB, then suitable thicknesses can be between 0.5 mm and 4.5 mm.

When the frequency is 36 GHz to 40 GHz, signal impingement angle withthe surface is 90±5°, the composition is selected from any of thethermoplastic resins of Table 1 and the desired attenuation is from 1 dBto 0 dB, then suitable thicknesses can be between 0.5 mm and 4 mm.

When the frequency is 76 GHz to 81 GHz, signal impingement angle withthe surface is 90±5°, the composition is selected from any of thethermoplastic resins of Table 1 and the desired attenuation is from 1 dBto 0 dB, then suitable thicknesses can be between 0.5 mm and 3.5 mm.

The panel 100 made substantially (e.g., up to impurities or negligiblestructural features made from other materials) from a low transmissionloss material, can take on many different forms. For example, the panel100 can be configured to be a panel 100 for covering a transmissiveelement such as an antenna. In some examples, the panel 100 can be acomponent of a molded article. The molded article, for example, can bean enclosure designed to cover the antenna or other transmissiveelement. Where present as part of an enclosure, the panel 100 may be theonly portion of the molded article that includes a low transmission lossmaterial. Forming the panel 100 as part of an enclosure may be usefulfor providing weather-resistant shielding for electronic equipment.Alternatively, in some aspects, an entire enclosure can be formed of thesame material as panel 100. As used herein the term “weather resistant”refers to an enclosure's ability to withstand reasonable exposure to theelements (e.g., sun, rain, wind, or combinations thereof) whilesubstantially maintaining its structural integrity.

The panel can have any suitable dimensions. The panel can have athickness in a range of from about 0.5 mm to about 6 mm, 1 mm to about 2mm, less than, equal to, or greater than about 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9,1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4,2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9,4, 4.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5,5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9 or 6 mm. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an exampleof a panel 100. The thickness of the panel 100 is defined betweenopposed major surfaces 102 and 103. The surfaces 102 and 103 of thepanel 100 can be, e.g., circular (or substantially circular, allowingfor some deviation from a perfect circle) or otherwise rounded, orpolygonal in shape. Examples of suitable polygonal shapes include atriangular shape (e.g., equilateral triangle, right triangle, obtusetriangle, an isosceles triangle, or acute triangle), a quadrilateralshape (e.g., a square or rectangle), a pentagonal shape, a hexagonalshape, a heptagonal shape, an octagonal shape, or any higher-orderpolygonal shape.

The opposed major surfaces 102 and 103 of the panel 100 can have a flatprofile or a curved profile. The curved profile can include a singlecurve or a series of undulations. The curved profile can give the panel100 a generally convex or concave shape. Respective adjacent undulationscan be evenly spaced with respect to each other or unevenly spaced withrespect to each other. Additionally, either of the opposed majorsurfaces 102 and 103 can include one or more projections such as a rib.Where present, a rib can be helpful to increase the strength of thepanel 100. Each surface can be substantially smooth or textured. Theopposed major surfaces can have the same profile or each major surfacecan have a different profile.

The panel 100 can be formed by any of a number of suitable processesincluding injection molding, thermoforming, and compression molding. Thedisclosed panel 100 can optionally be formed in a single moldingoperation or in a multi-shot process in which surrounding material isthe same or different from that of the disclosed panel 100. In general,a multi-shot process is performed on one machine that is programmed toperform two injections in one cycle. In the first cycle, a nozzleinjects plastic into a mold. The mold is then automatically rotated, anda different type of plastic is injected into the mold from a secondnozzle. Double injection molding optimizes co-polymerization of hard andsoft materials to create a powerful molecular bond. The result is asingle part with production and feature advantages. It can be used for avariety of product designs across all industries. It also allows formolding using clear plastics, colored graphics and stylish finishes,which improves product functionality and marketplace value.

In applications where a panel 100 cannot be formed through injectionmolding, the panel 100 may be formed through extrusion. In some examplesof extrusion, a die placed at the end of the extruder can have a shapethat is the negative impression of the intended shape of the panel 100.In still some further examples, any part of the panel 100 can be formedthrough an additive manufacturing process.

Electronic equipment may be housed inside an enclosure prepared from thematerials disclosed herein. Such enclosure(s) may be either stationaryinstallations, such as poles, buildings, roof-tops, etc., or movinginstallations, such as vehicles, aircrafts, bicycles, boats, wearables,etc. The enclosures may be designed according to the applicationspecification in terms of the volume, weight, ease of access formaintenance/repairs, aesthetics (color, finish, appearance, etc.), orother criteria. Electronic equipment can be, for example, AC or DCpowered 5G mmWave and 4G radios; AC/DC rectifiers or remote poweringunits, fiber connectivity enclosures, radio-frequency combiners ordiplexers, alarm systems and intrusion systems, AC and DC powerdistribution panels, 5G antennas, or 5G receivers.

Reinforcing fibers can be helpful to increase the tensile strength andtoughness of the article. The amount of reinforcing fiber added can beenough to impart the desired tensile strength and toughness to thearticle while not compromising the low transmission loss characteristicsof the material.

The ability of the materials to achieve density values greater than 1g/cm³ can help to increase the tensile strength and toughness of theresulting article. This is in direct contrast, for example, to articlesthat include a foam material.

The decision on the specific polyamide or blend of polyamides that areused in the article can be a function of the respective polyamide'stensile strength, toughness, or both.

The polyamide or polyamides that can be used in an injection molding,extrusion, or additive manufacturing process can be provided asindividual pellets. The individual pellets can include the polyamide ormixture of polyamides along with any of the additives described herein.The pellets can further include any of the reinforcing fibers describedherein. In some examples, a diameter or length of an individual pelletcan independently be in a range of from about 1 mm to about 5 mm, about2 mm to about 4 mm.

Alternatively, in some examples, the pellets can include only thepolyamide or mixture of polyamides. These pellets can then be heated sothat they soften and any additives, reinforcing fibers, or both can beadded to the softened pellets and mixed. Following mixing, the mixtureof the polyamides, additives, reinforcing fibers, or a sub-combinationthereof can be subjected to an injection molding process, extrusionprocess, or additive manufacturing process.

EXAMPLES

Various aspects of the present invention can be better understood byreference to the following Examples, which are offered by way ofillustration. The present invention is not limited to the Examples givenherein.

Certain combinations of composition, surface profile and structuralthickness can surprisingly yield molded articles exhibiting usefuldielectric constants and high transparency to millimeter waves.

General Procedure for Producing Compounded Material

A twin-screw extruder having a minimum 18-mm diameter co-rotating screwwith a 40-56 L/D (e.g., L/D ratio of 40-56) was used for compounding.The unit has one main feeder and a minimum of three side feeders. A feedrate of at least 1 kg/hr was used. The twin-screw co-rotating/turning atthe speed of at least 1000 RPM was sufficient to provide the high shearfor compounding function. The total compounder throughput was at least15 kg/hr.

The compounding unit had at least three vent ports, one atmospheric andtwo vacuum ports. The rotating twin screws imparted the forward momentumto the heated mass inside the barrel, and the barrel was heated alongits length in zones at temperatures in a range of 250-310° C.

The processing section of the twin-screw compounder was set up to suitvarious process needs and to allow for a wide variety of processes,including compounding processes. Polymer, fillers, and additives, asdesired, were continuously fed into the first barrel section of the twinscrew using a metering feeder. The products were conveyed along thescrew and were melted and mixed by kneading elements in theplastification section of the barrel. The polymer then traveled along toa side port where, if desired, fillers or additives were mixed in, andwas supplied to degassing zones and from there to a pressure build zonewhere it then exited the die via an at least 3-mm hole as a lace. Thecast lace was fed into a water bath to cool and to enable it to be cutinto chips via a pelletizer. The unit was designed to be able towithstand at least 70 bar die pressure. The die with a minimum of fourholes, each at least 3 mm diameter for pelletizing, can be included.

A compounded pellet of polyamide having a diameter of 3 mm and a lengthof 3-5 mm was produced using the above equipment. The moisture contentof the pelletized polyamide material was less than about 0.2 wt %.

General Procedure for Producing Molded Panels

An injection molding machine (Demag Sumitomo Sytec 100/200) usedincluded a feed throat, and a single rotating screw in a temperaturezoned barrel, where zones can range from 40 to 320° C. to melt anylon-6,6 based resin, and where the screw moved within the barrel toinject a volume of molten resin into a mold, where the mold was at60-90° C. for a nylon-6,6 based resin. The mold yields solid parts orspecimens, which includes those suitable for testing, such asflammability bars of desired dimensions.

In these examples, flammability ratings were established by performing atest functionally equivalent to the UL 94 Standard.

Materials Used in Examples

Feedstock PA6 neat polyamide, as used herein, is commercially availablefrom BASF as Ultramid® polyamide, DSM Engineering Materials as Akulon®polyamide or similar.

Feedstock PA66 neat polyamide, as used herein, is a commerciallyavailable INVISTA nylon-66 (or N66) grade under the Tradename INVISTA™U4800 polyamide resin, available from INVISTA, Wichita Kans. The PA66has standard RV range of 42-50. The feedstock PA66 has high RV rangingfrom 80 to 240.

As used herein, “6I/6T” is commercially available from EMS-Chemie (NorthAmerica) Inc. of Sumter, S.C., USA, as EMS Grivory G21.

As used herein, the term “PA66-6I/6T” or “PA66+6I/6T” refers to ablended material of PA66 and 6I/6T. For example, “PA66+6I/6T (70+30)” isa 70:30 (wt:wt) nylon:6I/6T blended material of PA66 and 6I/T.

As used herein, “PA66-GF30” is a glass fiber reinforced nylon-66. “GF30”indicates 30 wt % glass fiber content.

As used herein, “PA66-GF20” is a glass fiber reinforced nylon-66. “GF20”indicates 20 wt % glass fiber content.

As used herein, “PA66-PPE” is a commercially available thermoplasticpolymer blend of PA66 and polyphenylene ether (abbreviated as PPE). Suchmaterial is available from Asahi Kasei, SABIC, Mitsubishi and LG Chem,for example, LG Chemical LUMILOY® TX5002 High Flow PPE/PA Alloy,Mitsubishi Lemalloy® C61HL PPE-PA66 Alloy, or similar. The suitablePA66-PPE blends may have mass ratio range from 90:10 to 10:90, forexample, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50, 40:60, 30:70, 20:80, and such.

As used herein, “PA66-PPE-GF20” is a glass fiber reinforcednylon-66-PPE. “GF20” indicates 20 wt % glass fiber content.

As used herein, “PPE” is commercially available material, such as thatavailable from Asahi Kasei, SABIC, Mitsubishi and LG Chem.

As used herein, “PA66-IM-GF30” is a nylon-66 containing impact modifiedpolyolefin with 30 wt % GF.

Neat polycarbonate (PC) is a commercially available material, such asthat available from Lotte Chemical.

As used herein, “PA66/DI” is known as a copolymer of hexamethyleneadipamide and 2-methyl-1,5-pentamethylene-isophthalamide. PA66/DI usedin the examples has a relative viscosity (RV) of 45 and contains about92:8 (wt:wt) PA66:DI. The “DI” part in PA66/DI is about 50:50 (molar) orabout 40:60 (wt:wt) D:I.

Material Specimens Tested:

Seven resin specimens were tested in these Examples. The seven resinsare listed below in Table 1. The starting resin pellet moisture wasmeasured by AquaTrac instrument prior to molding plaques.

TABLE 1 Resins Pellet Moisture (wt %) measured Specimen MaterialMaterial before molding Label ID Material Type Condition plaques A PA66Polyamide, DAM 0.12% B Neat unreinforced c50% RH C PA66- Polyamide withDAM 0.05% D GF30 30% glass fiber c50% RH E PA6 Polyamide, DAM 0.12% FNeat unreinforced c50% RH G PA66- Polyamide + PPE DAM 0.02% H PPE blend,unreinforced c50% RH I PA66- Polyamide blend, DAM 0.05% J 6I/6Tunreinforced c50% RH K PA66- Polyamide with DAM 0.05% L IM- 30% glassfiber c50% RH GF30 M PC Polycarbonate, DAM 0.02% N unreinforced c50% RH

Test Methods Used in the Examples

ISO 1110 Accelerated conditioning of polyamide specimens.

ASTM D2520 Standard Test Methods for Complex Permittivity (DielectricConstant) of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials at MicrowaveFrequencies and Temperatures to 1650 Degrees C.” (Method B, ResonantCavity Perturbation Technique).

ASTM D789 Relative viscosity (RV) measurement method.

UL 94 Std. Flammability (V-0/V-1/V-2) rating determination method.

Moisture Gain Determination

Each resin specimen was molded as 100×134×3 mm plaques and as100×155×1.5 mm plaques. Plaques were stored in foil bags indry-as-molded state, so moisture in DAM plaques is expected to be thesame as in pellets fed to the molding machine.

Starting from a dry as molded (DAM) state, the plaques were conditionedusing an ISO 1110 procedure.

The ISO 1110 standard provides a method for accelerated conditioning ofpolyamide specimens, where specimens are held in a humidity chamberhaving an atmosphere of 70° C. with 62% relative humidity (RH).Specimens are allowed to gain moisture until they reach equilibriumweight, which is determined by measuring the mass of specimens everyday, the endpoint of conditioning being indicated by specimens reachinga constant mass. This procedure represents very similar moisture gain tothat which would be gained if specimens were held in 23° C. 50% RHatmosphere until reaching equilibrium moisture, which can take over 9months depending on specimen thickness.

For each of the 7 test specimens, both 1.5 mm and 3 mm thickness plaqueswere conditioned in the humidity chambers according to the ISO 1110procedure. For each test specimen and plaque thickness, three replicateswere weighed to track moisture gain. In all cases, the three replicatesgave excellent agreement in weight gain.

FIG. 1 (for 1.5 mm thick plaques) and FIG. 2 (for 3.0 mm thick plaques)show average weight gain (in wt % compared to initial DAM weight) foreach tested specimen. Table 2 below lists the final equilibrium moisturelevels for the seven tested specimens.

TABLE 2 Equilibrium Moisture Levels for Tested Specimens Final wt gainfor Final wt gain for Resin 1.5 mm plaques 3.0 mm plaques PA66 neat2.96% 2.92% PA6 neat 3.50% 3.26% PA66 + 6I/6T (70 + 30) 3.14% 2.82%PA66-GF30 2.01% 2.04% PA66 + PPE neat 1.64% 1.54% PA66-IM-GF30 1.08%1.48% Polycarbonate neat 0.23% 0.26%

Dielectric Constant and Dissipation Factor Measurements:

Approximately ⅛″ thick plaques of each material were used for dielectricconstant and dissipation factor measurements using the guidelines ofASTM D2520, Method B. All plaques were approximately 3.9″×5.3″×0.12″.

Two replicates of each material (see Table 1) were prepared for testingat each required test frequency as noted below. Test frequenciesincluded 3 GHz, 5 GHz, 10 GHz, 20 GHz, 30 GHz and 40 GHz.

Table 3 lists test samples sizes for each test frequency. All testsamples were prepared so that test sample length corresponded to theplaque flow direction. Two plaques of each material (A-N in Table 1)were used to prepare the test samples. One replicate for each frequencywas fabricated from each plaque.

TABLE 3 Test Sample Sizes Approximate Piece Test Frequency Size (Inches)3 GHz 0.070 × 0.200 × 1.5 5 GHz 0.090 × 0.140 × 1.5 10 GHz 0.075 × 0.075× 1.5 20 GHz 0.050 × 0.050 × 1.5 30 GHz 0.030 × 0.030 × 1.5 40 GHz 0.025× 0.025 × 1.5

All testing was conducted at laboratory ambient conditions. Testconditions were run at 24° C. and 46% RH. All samples were handled tolimit exposure to laboratory ambient conditions during both samplepreparation and testing.

Dielectric Constant Measurements:

Testing was performed using the guidelines set forth in ASTM D2520,“Standard Test Methods for Complex Permittivity (Dielectric Constant) ofSolid Electrical Insulating Materials at Microwave Frequencies andTemperatures to 1650 Degrees C.” Method B, Resonant Cavity PerturbationTechnique, was used. The electric field inside the cavities was parallelto the length of the test samples. The measured dielectric constant datafor all tested specimens at the six frequencies is listed in Table 4below. Dielectric constant precision was about ±1% for the 3 GHz-20 GHzfrequency range and about ±2% for the 30 GHz-40 GHz range. Results areshown in Table 4.

TABLE 4 Dielectric Constant Measurements Frequency Sample 3 5 10 20 3040 Material ID ID GHz GHz GHz GHz GHz GHz PA66 A1 3.04 3.01 3.06 3.043.09 2.91 A2 3.02 3.02 3.07 3.05 3.09 2.91 B1 3.16 3.15 3.19 3.16 3.173.07 B2 3.17 3.15 3.20 3.16 3.16 3.09 PA66-GF C1 3.58 3.59 3.64 3.613.72 3.70 C2 3.57 3.59 3.65 3.60 3.75 3.64 D1 3.69 3.70 3.76 3.72 3.813.63 D2 3.67 3.70 3.76 3.71 3.79 3.69 PA6 E1 3.04 3.03 3.07 3.07 3.103.07 E2 3.03 3.02 3.08 3.06 3.13 3.05 F1 3.19 3.18 3.21 3.17 3.21 3.09F2 3.20 3.17 3.23 3.18 3.21 3.09 PA66-PPE G1 2.76 2.77 2.81 2.81 2.872.83 G2 2.77 2.77 2.82 2.80 2.88 2.79 H1 2.84 2.83 2.86 2.85 2.88 2.82H2 2.84 2.84 2.87 2.85 2.89 2.82 PA Blend I1 3.09 3.09 3.14 3.11 3.203.10 I2 3.08 3.10 3.15 3.11 3.20 3.11 J1 3.21 3.19 3.24 3.22 3.26 3.15J2 3.19 3.19 3.25 3.22 3.26 3.12 PA-IM-GF K1 3.36 3.37 3.42 3.37 3.463.35 K2 3.36 3.37 3.43 3.37 3.44 3.42 L1 3.44 3.44 3.49 3.43 3.49 3.37L2 3.43 3.45 3.51 3.43 3.51 3.38 PC M1 2.77 2.78 2.81 2.81 2.88 2.78 M22.78 2.78 2.81 2.80 2.86 2.78 N1 2.78 2.78 2.82 2.81 2.87 2.81 N2 2.792.79 2.83 2.81 2.86 2.80

Dissipation Factor Measurements:

Testing was performed using the guidelines set forth in ASTM D2520,“Standard Test Methods for Complex Permittivity (Dielectric Constant) ofSolid Electrical Insulating Materials at Microwave Frequencies andTemperatures to 1650 Degrees C.” Method B, Resonant Cavity PerturbationTechnique, was used. The electric field inside the cavities was parallelto the length of the test samples. Dissipation factor resolution wasabout ±5% for 3 the GHz-20 GHz frequency range and ±10% for the 30GHz-40 GHz range. Results are shown in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Dissipation Factor Measurements Frequency Material ID Sample ID3 GHz 5 GHz 10 GHz 20 GHz 30 GHz 40 GHz PA66 A1 0.0103 0.0099 0.00940.0099 0.0093 0.0086 A2 0.0105 0.0099 0.0095 0.0098 0.0095 0.0089 B10.0182 0.0166 0.0160 0.0182 0.0139 0.0133 B2 0.0176 0.0167 0.0161 0.01760.0138 0.0134 PA66-GF C1 0.0105 0.0104 0.0102 0.0091 0.0116 0.0132 C20.0106 0.0105 0.0104 0.0095 0.0116 0.0132 D1 0.0165 0.0156 0.0159 0.01280.0159 0.0164 D2 0.0164 0.0158 0.0156 0.0122 0.0159 0.0169 PA6 E1 0.01210.0114 0.0109 0.0104 0.0110 0.0124 E2 0.0123 0.0117 0.0111 0.0103 0.01140.0129 F1 0.0201 0.0188 0.0186 0.0207 0.0161 0.0151 F2 0.0206 0.01890.0182 0.0195 0.0159 0.0156 PA66-PPE G1 0.0061 0.0060 0.0058 0.00600.0065 0.0065 G2 0.0062 0.0060 0.0059 0.0058 0.0065 0.0065 H1 0.00950.0090 0.0091 0.0076 0.0079 0.0074 H2 0.0096 0.0089 0.0089 0.0077 0.00800.0074 PA Blend I1 0.0121 0.0116 0.0110 0.0109 0.0111 0.0117 I2 0.01200.0115 0.0109 0.0111 0.0112 0.0114 J1 0.0142 0.0136 0.0133 0.0114 0.01390.0136 J2 0.0144 0.0138 0.0135 0.0115 0.0138 0.0137 PA-IM-GF K1 0.01570.0143 0.0134 0.0143 0.0127 0.0129 K2 0.0157 0.0144 0.0134 0.0138 0.01300.0127 L1 0.0195 0.0174 0.0174 0.0134 0.0141 0.0135 L2 0.0197 0.01770.0172 0.0129 0.0143 0.0137 PC M1 0.0052 0.0051 0.0053 0.0060 0.00630.0064 M2 0.0052 0.0051 0.0053 0.0061 0.0062 0.0062 N1 0.0056 0.00550.0057 0.0061 0.0065 0.0061 N2 0.0057 0.0054 0.0057 0.0060 0.0065 0.0063

Waveform Modeling:

The above dielectric constant and dissipation factor measurement data(Tables 4 and 5) for the seven tested specimens, DAM and conditioned,were used for the waveform modeling. Various commercial code packagesare available for such modeling, for example, from Altair Feko™,comprehensive computational electromagnetics (CEM) code.

Using the waveform modeling, the transmission loss (in decibels, dB) aswell as reflection (dB) at each of the tested frequencies (in GHz) foreach of the seven test specimens (with respective thickness varied) wasdetermined.

Test Methods

Mechanical testing included testing for the following parameters.Tensile modulus was tested using ISO 527. Tensile strength was testedusing ISO 527. Tensile elongation (break) was tested using ISO 527.Flexural modulus was tested using ISO 178. Flexural strength was testedusing ISO 178. Notched Charpy impact was tested using ISO 179. UnnotchedCharpy impact was tested using ISO 179. Fire retardancy (FR) testing caninclude testing for the following parameters. Material FR testing isconducted using UL 94. Flame testing is conducted using ASTM E84-3.Weatherability testing includes testing for the following parameters.Lifecycle UV testing (10 yr, 15 yr and 20 yr) is conducted using AATCCMethod 16 Option 3. Color fade is determined by measuring change incolor at specified points. Scratch testing is conducted using ASTM50452. Paint adhesion testing is conducted for the following parameters.Cross-hatch testing is conducted using ISO 2409. Humidity and crosshatch tests are conducted together using ISO 6270-2 and ISO 554. Across-hatch test after UV exposure is conducted according to ISO 2409.

Example 1: Specimens (Dry and Wet) at 3 GHz Frequency

TABLE 6 Losses at 3 GHz Dry 1 2 3 Thick- Thick- Thick- Frequency nessLoss ness Loss ness Loss Material (GHz) (mm) (dB) (mm) (dB) (mm) (dB)PA66- 3 2 0.058 3 0.21  6 0.422 PPE Losses at 3 GHz Wet 1 2 3 Thick-Thick- Thick- Frequency ness Loss ness Loss ness Loss Material (GHz)(mm) (dB) (mm) (dB) (mm) (dB) PA66- 3 2 0.067 3 0.234 6 0.459 PPE

Table 6 illustrates data from Example 1.

Example 2: Specimens (Dry and Wet) at 28 GHz Frequency

TABLE 7 Optimums 28 GHz Dry 1 2 3 Thick- Thick- Thick- Frequency nessLoss ness Loss ness Loss Material (GHz) (mm) (dB) (mm) (dB) (mm) (dB)PA66 28 3.032 0.127 6.078 0.254 9.122 0.383 PA66-GF 28 2.762 0.159 5.5360.319 8.31  0.48  PA66-PPE 28 3.144 0.089 6.298 0.178 9.452 0.267 PABlend 28 2.978 0.152 5.97  0.306 8.962 0.46  PA-IM-GF 28 2.868 0.1765.75  0.353 8.63  0.531 PC 28 3.15  0.085 6.31  0.171 9.468 0.257

TABLE 8 Optimums 28 GHz Wet 1 2 3 Thick- Thick- Thick- Frequency nessLoss ness Loss ness Loss Material (GHz) (mm) (dB) (mm) (dB) (mm) (dB)PA66 28 2.99  0.189 5.998 0.38  9.006 0.572 PA66-GF 28 2.732 0.218 5.4760.438 8.222 0.661 PA66-PPE 28 3.138 0.109 6.29  0.219 9.442 0.329 PABlend 28 2.948 0.189 5.912 0.38  8.874 0.572 PA-IM-GF 28 2.846 0.1945.706 0.39  8.568 0.588 PC 28 3.152 0.089 6.314 0.178 9.476 0.267

Tables 7 and 8 illustrate data from Example 2.

Example 3: Specimens (Dry and Wet) at 39 GHz Frequency

TABLE 9 Optimums 39 GHz Dry 1 2 3 4 Frequency Thickness Loss ThicknessLoss Thickness Loss Thickness Loss Material (GHz) (mm) (dB) (mm) (dB)(mm) (dB) (mm) (dB) PA66 39 2.42  0.119 4.496 0.239 6.748 0.36  9    0.481 PA66-GF 39 1.998 0.181 4.002 0.363 6.008 0.547 8.014 0.732PA66-PPE 39 2.284 0.089 4.578 0.178 6.87  0.267 9.162 0.356 PA Blend 392.17  0.158 4.35  0.317 6.53  0.476 8.712 0.637 PA-IM-GF 39 2.078 0.1754.166 0.351 6.256 0.529 8.344 0.708 PC 39 2.296 0.086 4.602 0.172 6.9060.259 9.212 0.345

TABLE 10 Optimums 39 GHz Wet 1 2 3 4 Frequency Thickness Loss ThicknessLoss Thickness Loss Thickness Loss Material (GHz) (mm) (dB) (mm) (dB)(mm) (dB) (mm) (dB) PA66 39 2.178 0.182 4.366 0.366 6.554 0.551 8.7440.737 PA66-GF 39 1.998 0.228 4.006 0.459 6.014 0.691 8.022 0.926PA66-PPE 39 2.28  0.101 4.568 0.202 6.856 0.304 9.144 0.406 PA Blend 392.156 0.186 4.326 0.374 6.496 0.564 8.666 0.754 PA-IM-GF 39 2.08  0.1864.172 0.374 6.264 0.562 8.354 0.752 PC 39 2.286 0.085 4.582 0.169 6.8760.255 9.17  0.34 

Tables 9 and 10 illustrate data from Example 3.

Examples 4-17 include figures showing test results for 1 mm thick panelsthat include various materials (e.g., polyamides, reinforced polyamides,and polycarbonates) for their transmission loss and reflection under wetand dry conditions. The results showed that panels formed from polyamidematerials, including reinforced polyamide materials, showed superiortransmission loss and reflection properties compared to panels formedfrom other materials such as polycarbonate. Surprisingly, given thehydrophilic nature of polyamides, those panels including a polyamideperformed well when wet.

Example 4: PA66 Specimens (Dry and Wet) at 28 GHz Frequency

FIG. 3A shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (ordry) specimen at the designated frequency above. FIG. 3B showsreflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for adry as molded (DAM) (or dry) specimen at the designated frequency above.FIG. 3C shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet)specimen at the specified frequency above. FIG. 3D shows the reflection(in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned(or wet) specimen at the specified frequency above.

Example 5: PA66 Specimens (Dry and Wet) at 39 GHz Frequency

FIG. 4A shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (ordry) specimen at the designated frequency above. FIG. 4B showsreflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for adry as molded (DAM) (or dry) specimen at the designated frequency above.FIG. 4C shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet)specimen at the specified frequency above. FIG. 4D shows the reflection(in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned(or wet) specimen at the specified frequency above.

Example 6: PA66-GF Specimens (Dry and Wet) at 28 GHz Frequency

FIG. 5A shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (ordry) specimen at the designated frequency above. FIG. 5B showsreflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for adry as molded (DAM) (or dry) specimen at the designated frequency above.FIG. 5C shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet)specimen at the specified frequency above. FIG. 5D shows the reflection(in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned(or wet) specimen at the specified frequency above.

Example 7: PA66-GF Specimens (Dry and Wet) at 39 GHz Frequency

FIG. 6A shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (ordry) specimen at the designated frequency above. FIG. 6B showsreflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for adry as molded (DAM) (or dry) specimen at the designated frequency above.FIG. 6C shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet)specimen at the specified frequency above. FIG. 6D shows the reflection(in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned(or wet) specimen at the specified frequency above.

Example 8: PA66-PPE Specimens (Dry and Wet) at 28 GHz Frequency

FIG. 7A shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (ordry) specimen at the designated frequency above. FIG. 7B showsreflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for adry as molded (DAM) (or dry) specimen at the designated frequency above.FIG. 7C shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet)specimen at the specified frequency above. FIG. 7D shows the reflection(in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned(or wet) specimen at the specified frequency above.

Example 9: PA66-PPE Specimens (Dry and Wet) at 39 GHz Frequency

FIG. 8A shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (ordry) specimen at the designated frequency above. FIG. 8B showsreflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for adry as molded (DAM) (or dry) specimen at the designated frequency above.FIG. 8C shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet)specimen at the specified frequency above. FIG. 8D shows the reflection(in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned(or wet) specimen at the specified frequency above.

Example 10: PA66-IM-GF30 Specimens (Dry and Wet) at 28 GHz Frequency

FIG. 9A shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (ordry) specimen at the designated frequency above. FIG. 9B showsreflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for adry as molded (DAM) (or dry) specimen at the designated frequency above.FIG. 9C shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet)specimen at the specified frequency above. FIG. 9D shows the reflection(in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned(or wet) specimen at the specified frequency above.

Example 11: PA66-IM-GF30 Specimens (Dry and Wet) at 39 GHz Frequency

FIG. 10A shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (ordry) specimen at the designated frequency above. FIG. 10B showsreflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for adry as molded (DAM) (or dry) specimen at the designated frequency above.FIG. 10C shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet)specimen at the specified frequency above. FIG. 10D shows the reflection(in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned(or wet) specimen at the specified frequency above.

Example 12: PC Specimens (Dry and Wet) at 28 GHz Frequency

FIG. 11A shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (ordry) specimen at the designated frequency above. FIG. 11B showsreflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for adry as molded (DAM) (or dry) specimen at the designated frequency above.FIG. 11C shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet)specimen at the specified frequency above. FIG. 11D shows the reflection(in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned(or wet) specimen at the specified frequency above.

Example 13: PC Specimens (Dry and Wet) at 39 GHz Frequency

FIG. 12A shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (ordry) specimen at the designated frequency above. FIG. 12B showsreflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for adry as molded (DAM) (or dry) specimen at the designated frequency above.FIG. 12C shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet)specimen at the specified frequency above. FIG. 12D shows the reflection(in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned(or wet) specimen at the specified frequency above.

Example 14: PA66+6I/6T (70/30) Blend Specimens (Dry and Wet) at 28 GHzFrequency

FIG. 13A shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (ordry) specimen at the designated frequency above. FIG. 13B showsreflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for adry as molded (DAM) (or dry) specimen at the designated frequency above.FIG. 13C shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet)specimen at the specified frequency above. FIG. 13D shows the reflection(in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned(or wet) specimen at the specified frequency above.

Example 15: PA66+6I/6T (70/30) Blend Specimens (Dry and Wet) at 39 GHzFrequency

FIG. 14A shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (ordry) specimen at the designated frequency above. FIG. 14B showsreflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for adry as molded (DAM) (or dry) specimen at the designated frequency above.FIG. 14C shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet)specimen at the specified frequency above. FIG. 14D shows the reflection(in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned(or wet) specimen at the specified frequency above.

Example 16: PA6 Specimens (Dry and Wet) at 28 GHz Frequency

FIG. 15A shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (ordry) specimen at the designated frequency above. FIG. 15B showsreflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for adry as molded (DAM) (or dry) specimen at the designated frequency above.FIG. 15C shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet)specimen at the specified frequency above. FIG. 15D shows the reflection(in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned(or wet) specimen at the specified frequency above.

Example 17: PA6 Specimens (Dry and Wet) at 39 GHz Frequency

FIG. 16A shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a dry as molded (DAM) (ordry) specimen at the designated frequency above. FIG. 16B showsreflection (in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for adry as molded (DAM) (or dry) specimen at the designated frequency above.FIG. 16C shows the transmission loss (S21 in dB on the Y-axis) as afunction of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned (or wet)specimen at the specified frequency above. FIG. 16D shows the reflection(in dB) as a function of thickness (mm on the X-axis) for a conditioned(or wet) specimen at the specified frequency above.

Example 18: RF Testing—Insertion Loss versus Distance at 24-40 GHz WaveFrequency

Several materials, as described in Table 1, were tested by molding thematerials into 1 ft×1 ft flat plaques. These plaques wereprecision-machined to obtain about 2.18 mm structural thickness. A 0.25mm thick basecoat of flame retardant (FR) material and 0.11 mm thicktop-coat of decorative color were applied to each plaque using rollerapplicators. The coated plaque surfaces were somewhat rough due to theroller coat application. The total specimen structural thickness is 2.54mm.

Using a horn antenna setup, the insertion loss in (S21 in dB) ismeasured in the far field in the 24-40 GHz wave frequency spectrum as afunction of the plaque surface distance from the antenna.

FIGS. 17A and 17B represent a cyclone plot showing insertion loss (dB)data measured for one of the tested plaques. FIG. 17A is a cyclone plotof the insertion loss in dB (Y-axis) measured over a 0-100 mm distancespan in 0.5 mm increments over the 24-40 GHz wave frequency range(X-axis); each line shown is a 0.5 mm distance increment. FIG. 17B plotsthe insertion loss variation (Y-axis) of the tested plaque measured overa 0-100 mm distance variation and for the 24-40 GHz frequency range.

Example 19: Array Antenna Testing at 28 GHz Wave Frequency

The plaque specimens, described in Example 18 above, were next testedusing a phased array antenna tuned to 28 GHz.

Changes in radiation as well as reflection patterns, for example, mainlobe, side lobes, reflections, boresight error, and relative insertionlosses (in dB), were measured at 28 GHz frequency and at two radioantenna distances, namely, i) close to each other, see “0 mm Distance”plots in FIGS. 18A-18F, and ii) few wavelengths apart, see “25 mmDistance” plots in FIG. 18B. Incident ray measurements for main beambore sight loss, error, 3 dB beam width change, 1^(st) sidelobe gainincrease, and backlobe/reflected lobes gain increase were performed atthree azimuths, 0°, 30° and 60°. The term “azimuth” is an angularmeasurement in a spherical coordinate system. In FIGS. 18A-18F, thesolid line represents the baseline performance for the two antennasystem without the in-between plaque specimen, and the dashed linerepresents the plaque performance tested with the two-antenna system at0 mm and 25 mm distance spacing.

In FIGS. 18A-18F for “0 mm Distance”, the main lobe at each of theazimuths show little loss and the side lobes were improved.

Example 20: Enclosure for Telecommunication Equipment in the 500 MHz-6GHz Frequency Range

A three-dimensional enclosure is prepared from panels made ofglass-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polymer. The panel structuralthickness is about 2 mm excluding the paint coatings. The enclosurehouses telecommunication equipment, namely, radio, antenna, powersupply. In the radio signal frequency range of between 500 MHz to 6 GHz,a signal attenuation between 1 dB and 0 dB is observed.

Example 21: Enclosure for Telecommunication Equipment in the 24 GHz-30GHz Frequency Range

A three-dimensional enclosure is prepared from panels made ofglass-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polymer. The panel structuralthickness is about 3 mm, excluding the paint coatings. The enclosurehouses telecommunication equipment, such as capacitors, actuators, powercable terminations, miniatured antenna, power transformer/powerconditioner, optical fiber, radios, diplexer/multiplexer, coaxial cable,and their combinations, and may serve, e.g., as antenna concealment,cell phone casings, housing for an electronic component, fibertermination box, coaxial cable sheath, etc. In the radio signalfrequency range of between 24 GHz and 30 GHz, a signal attenuationbetween 1 dB and 0 dB is observed.

Example 22: Enclosure for Telecommunication Equipment in the 36 GHz-40GHz Frequency Range

A three-dimensional enclosure is prepared from panels made ofglass-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polymer. The panel structuralthickness is about 2 mm, excluding the paint coatings. The enclosurehouses telecommunication equipment, such as capacitors, actuators, powercable terminations, miniatured antenna, power transformer/powerconditioner, optical fiber, radios, diplexer/multiplexer, coaxial cable,and their combinations, and may serves as, e.g., antenna concealment,cell phone casings, housing for electronic components, fiber terminationbox, coaxial fiber sheath, etc. In the radio signal frequency range ofbetween 36 GHz and 40 GHz, a signal attenuation between 1 dB and 0 dB isobserved.

Comparative Example 1: Panel Having a Window for Electromagnetic SignalTransmission

FIGS. 20A-20C are perspective views of panels 3A-3C. Panels 3A-3Cinclude respective openings 5A-5C. Panels 3A-3C can have a number ofsuitable geometric shapes such as a square shape, rectangular shape(3A), cylindrical shape (3B), disc shape (3C), or any other suitableshape.

An enclosure (not shown) formed from one or more of such panels canhouse one or more items of electromagnetic equipment. Examples ofelectromagnetic equipment include, for instance, a three-phaseelectrical wire terminated into a circuit breaker/disconnect; a powertransformer/power conditioner; an optical fiber wire and fibertermination box; a radio or radios; a diplexer/multiplexer (per radio);a coaxial cable from radio to antenna(s); or an antennae. This enclosuremay also require a coax penetration to a remote antenna mount location.The enclosure is designed to accommodate any target application and hastemperature control systems (fans, vent holes, or slots), access doors(screwed on, clipped on, hinged) for internals, and mounting accessories(brackets, screwed mounts, swivel mounts, sliding guides), and the like.

Opening 5A, 5B, or 5C, may be fitted with a window structure or assemblyconstructed from any suitable material that enables the transmission ofan electromagnetic signals. Examples include mono- or multi-layeredtransparent films, sheets, glass cover, metal or plastic mesh, and such.There may be multiple such openings of different shapes and sizes toaccommodate the electromagnetic signal conveyance with reduced signalstrength loss.

While such panel(s) and the enclosure(s) formed therefrom may be of anysuitable material such as polymer, plastic, foam, metal, composites,etc., incorporation of opening(s) necessary for signal transmission makesuch enclosures complex to design, fabricate, mount, and maintain.Furthermore, such panels and enclosures made therefrom having openingsor windows fitted with materials different from the panel materials makesuch structures less durable (e.g., short life cycle) while compromisingtheir structural integrity, mechanical strength and impact resistance.An enclosure is deemed “windowless” as used in the instant disclosure ifit lacks such an opening or window that is fitted with a materialdifferent from the panel material.

Example 23: Panel Through which Electromagnetic Signals are Transmittedor Received

FIGS. 21A-21C are perspective views of enclosures 23, 25, and 27.

Compared to Comparative Example 1, enclosures 23, 25, and 27 have athickness as described in the Examples herein and have no separateopening or window for transmission or receival of electromagneticsignal. The enclosure may be of any suitable geometric shape such assquare, rectangular (enclosure 23 in FIG. 21A), cylindrical (enclosure25 in FIG. 21B), disc (enclosure 27 in FIG. 21C), dome-shaped,cone-shaped, or any suitable shape.

The formed enclosure is part of a continuously molded article. Thearticle described in this example can be useful for providingweather-resistant shielding for electronic equipment. Such an enclosure(not shown), or articles formed from one or more of such enclosures, canhouse one or more items of electromagnetic equipment. The electronicequipment can include, for example, a three-phase electrical wireterminated into a circuit breaker/disconnect; a power transformer/powerconditioner; an optical fiber wire and fiber termination box; a radio orradios; a diplexer/multiplexer (per radio); a coaxial cable from radioto antenna(s); an antennae. This enclosure may also require a coaxpenetration to a remote antenna mount location. The enclosure isdesigned to accommodate any target application and has temperaturecontrol systems (fans, vent holes, or slots), access doors (screwed on,clipped on, hinged) for internals, and mounting accessories (brackets,swivel mounts, slider mounts), and such.

Absence of any opening(s) or window(s) while transmission and receivalof electromagnetic signals occur though an enclosure body make suchenclosures simple to design, fabricate, mount, and maintain.Furthermore, such panels and enclosures made therefrom, absent openingsor windows fitted with materials different from the panel materials,make such structures more durable (e.g., long-lasting) with theirstructural integrity, strength, and impact resistance well-preserved.

Example 24: PA66-Based Panel and Enclosure Through which 30 GHzFrequency Electromagnetic Signals are Transmitted or Received

Several panel structures are molded using a PA66 based thermoplasticresin labeled “PA66-IM-GF30” and corresponding to Specimen labeled “L”(50% RH) in Table 1 of the present disclosure. PA66-IM-GF30 is preparedusing INVISTA™ PA66 material and further containing impact modifiedpolyolefin with 30 wt % glass fiber (GF) reinforcement. The densities offour panels are 1.097, 1.244, 1.277 and 1.361 g/cc.

The so-formed panels were joined to form a three-dimensional rectangularenclosure having the dimensions of 48″ L×24″ W×12″ D (or, 4′ L×2′ W×1′D). Proper network telecommunication equipment was housed inside theenclosure. The enclosure contained no separate opening or windows havingany transparent medium such as film, glass covering, sheet, or the like.The PA66-IM-GF30 resin specimen had a dielectric constant of 3.5 anddissipation factor (DF) of 0.0142, both measured at 30 GHz frequency.

The panel wall structural thickness was maintained to about 3 mm for thetransmission and receival of 30 GHz frequency electromagnetic signalhaving less than 0.5 dB loss during its transmission across the panelwall. This electromagnetic signal transmission and reception do notoccur through a transparent or optical window.

Example 25: PA66-Based Panel and Enclosure Through which 40 GHzFrequency Electromagnetic Signals are Transmitted or Received

Several panel structures were molded using a PA66 based thermoplasticresin labeled “PA66-PPE”, which corresponds to Specimen labeled “H” (50%RH) in Table 1 of the present disclosure. PA66-PPE is an unreinforcedthermoplastic resin. The densities of the panels are ≥1.1 g/cc and ≤1.4g/cc.

The so-formed panels were joined to form a three-dimensional cylindricalenclosure having the dimensions of from about 22′ to about 36″ outsidediameter and from about 0.5′ to about 6.5′ length (or, 3′ O.D×5′ longcylinder). Proper network telecommunication equipment was housed insidethe enclosure. The enclosure contained no separate opening or windowshaving any transparent medium such as film, glass covering, sheet, etc.The PA66-PPE resin specimen had a dielectric constant of about 2.82 anda dissipation factor (DF) of about 0.0074, both measured at 40 GHzfrequency.

The panel wall structural thickness was maintained to about 4 mm for thetransmission and receival of 40 GHz frequency electromagnetic signalhaving less than 0.5 dB loss during its transmission across the panelwall. This electromagnetic signal transmission and receival did notoccur through a transparent or optical window.

Example 26: PA66-Based Panel and Enclosure Through which Sub-6 GHz (3GHz) Frequency

Electromagnetic Signals are Transmitted or Received

Several panel structures were molded using a PA66 based thermoplasticresin labeled “PA66-PPE”, which corresponded to Specimen labeled “H”(c50% RH) in Table 1 of the present disclosure. PA66-PPE is anunreinforced thermoplastic resin. The density of the panel is ≥1.1 g/ccand ≤1.4 g/cc.

The formed panels are joined to form a three-dimensionalclamshell-shaped enclosure intended for sub-6 GHz 5G and 4G LTE radioequipment shrouds. Proper network telecommunication equipment is housedinside the enclosure. The enclosure contains no separate opening orwindows having any transparent medium such as film, glass covering,sheet, etc. The PA66-PPE resin specimen has a dielectric constant ofabout 2.84 and a dissipation factor (DF) of about 0.0095, both measuredat 3 GHz frequency.

The panel wall structural thickness was maintained to about 4 mm for thetransmission and receival of 3 GHz frequency electromagnetic signalhaving less than 0.5 dB loss during its transmission across the panelwall. This electromagnetic signal transmission and receival do not occurthrough a transparent or optical window.

The present polyamide-based clamshell radio shroud weighs about 20-25lbs and offers cost-efficient, durable solution in sub-6 GHz 5G and 4GLTE radio frequency transmission markets. An equivalent metal shroudhaving the necessary openings for radio wave transmission and receivalfunctions is more expensive, less durable and heavier (˜60-70 lbs).

Example 27: RF Testing—Insertion Loss Versus Distance at 24-40 GHz WaveFrequency

Similar to Example 18, a horn antenna setup was used to measure theinsertion loss (S21 in dB) in the far field in the 24-40 GHz wavefrequency spectrum as a function of the test specimen plaque surfacedistance from the antenna. Several materials, as described in Table 1,were tested by molding the materials into 1 ft×1 ft flat plaques. Theseplaques were precision-machined to obtain about 2.18 mm structuralthickness. A 0.56 mm thick basecoat of flame retardant (FR) material and0.15 mm thick top-coat of decorative color were applied to each plaqueusing spray coating technology. The total specimen structural thicknessis 2.89 mm.

FIG. 22 is a cyclone plot of the insertion loss in dB (Y-axis) measuredover a 0-100 mm distance span in 0.5 mm increments over a 24-40 GHzfrequency range (X-axis); each line shown is a 0.5 mm distanceincrement.

Example 28: Array Antenna Testing at 28 GHz Wave Frequency

The plaque specimens, described in Example 24 above, were next testedusing a phased array antenna tuned to 28 GHz.

Changes in radiation as well as reflection patterns, for example, mainlobe, side lobes, reflections, boresight error, and relative insertionlosses (in dB), were measured at 28 GHz frequency and at two radioantenna distances, namely, i) close to each other (“0 mm Distance” plotsin FIG. 23A), and ii) a few wavelengths apart (“25 mm Distance”) plotsin FIG. 23B. Incident ray measurements for main beam bore sight loss,error, 3 dB beam width change, 1^(st) sidelobe gain increase, andbacklobe/reflected lobes gain increase, were performed at threeazimuths, 0°, 30°, and 60°.

In FIGS. 23A-23F, the solid lines represent the baseline performance forthe two-antenna system without the in-between plaque specimen, and thedashed lines represent the plaque performance tested with thetwo-antenna system at 0 mm and 25 mm distance spacing.

In FIGS. 23A-23F, for “0 mm Distance” and “25 mm Distance,”respectively, the main lobe at each of the azimuths show little loss andthe side lobes were improved compared to the ones in FIGS. 18A-18BF inExample 19.

Example 29: Mechanical Performance Data for Table 1 Specimens

Some of the material specimens from Table 1 were tested for mechanicalperformance. Specifically, specimens for material labeled “G” [DAM] and“H” [Cond] for PA66+PPE, as well as materials labeled “C” [DAM” and “D”[Cond] for PA66+GF30 were tested. Additional specimens were preparedusing 20 wt % GF reinforced PA66+PPE and 20 wt % GF reinforced PA66materials (not shown in Table 1), referred to as “PA66+PPE GF20” and“PA66 GF20”, respectively. Tables 11A-F below provide the mechanicalperformance data for the tested specimens at three temperatures, −40°C., 23° C., and 50° C.

TABLE 11A Tensile Data for Dry as Molded [DAM] Specimens Tensile TensileTensile Strength Elongation Strength Nominal Modulus Table 1 TensileNominal Tensile Break Modulus Reference Stress at Yield Stress at Strainof Elasticity Material Label Yield (MPa) Strain (%) Break (MPa) (%)(MPa) Temp PA66 + PPE “G” 60.8 5 59.9 >59 2640  23 C. 90.5 7.8 87.4 342980 −40 C. 48.7 26 51.3 86 1820  50 C. PA66 + PPE 127 3.8 123 5.3 6730 23 C. GF20 180 4.9 179 4.9 7130 −40 C. 103 4.9 100 7.5 5590  50 C. PA66GF20 147 3.4 7190  23 C. 173 3 7460 −40 C. 115 5.1 111 9.6 6050  50 C.PA66 GF 30 “C” 184 3.8 182 4.4 10100   23 C. 237 3.3 10200  −40 C. 1475.1 144 6.7 8370  50 C.

TABLE 11B Tensile Data for Conditioned [COND] Specimens Table 1 TensileNominal Tensile Nominal Modulus of Reference Stress at Yield Stress atBreak Elasticity Material Label Yield (MPa) Strain (%) Break (MPa)Strain (%) (MPa) Temp PA66 + PPE “H” 49 16 52.9 100 1600  23 C. 88 7.284.4 38 3310 −40 C. 41.4 18 43.6 96 1250  50 C. PA66 + PPE 100 5 97.27.8 5280  23 C. GF20 166 4.2 163 4.1 7350 −40 C. 85.9 5.8 83.9 8.3 4700 50 C. PA66 GF20 94.6 8.4 91.1 13 4460  23 C. 174 3.1 8680 −40 C. 80.89.9 78.3 13 3570  50 C. PA66 GF 30 “D” 127 6.5 125 8.2 6830  23 C. 2293.3 10900  −40 C. 107 8.1 105 9.5 5440  50 C.

TABLE 11C Un-notched Charpy Data for DAM and Conditioned Specimens Table1 Reference Conditioned Break Material Label Units DAM (ISO 1110) TempType PA66 + PPE “G” for DAM and kJ/m² 370 340  23 C. Non Break “H” forConditioned kJ/m² 400 420 −40 C. Non Break kJ/m² 310 240  50 C. NonBreak PA66 + PPE GF20 kJ/m²  82  76  23 C. Complete kJ/m²  88  78 −40 C.Complete kJ/m²  79  73  50 C. Complete PA66 GF20 kJ/m²  53  98  23 C.Complete kJ/m²  49  45 −40 C. Complete kJ/m²  72 110  50 C. CompletePA66 GF 30 “C” for DAM and kJ/m²  89 110  23 C. Complete “D” forConditioned kJ/m²  66  59 −40 C. Complete kJ/m² 100 120  50 C. Complete

TABLE 11D Notched Charpy Data for DAM and Conditioned Specimens Table 1Reference Conditioned Break Material Label Units DAM (ISO 1110) TempType PA66 + PPE “G” for DAM and kJ/m² 20 24  23 C. Complete “H” forConditioned kJ/m² 16 12 −40 C. Complete kJ/m² 23 35  50 C. CompletePA66 + PPE GF20 kJ/m² 11 11  23 C. Complete kJ/m² 8 7.3 −40 C. CompletekJ/m² 12 14  50 C. Complete PA66 GF20 kJ/m² 7.2 10  23 C. Complete kJ/m²6.4 6.9 −40 C. Complete kJ/m² 8.5 22  50 C. Complete PA66 GF 30 “C” forDAM and kJ/m² 11 15  23 C. Complete “D” for Conditioned kJ/m² 8.9 8.8−40 C. Complete kJ/m² 14 27  50 C. Complete

TABLE 11E Flexural Data for DAM Specimens Table 1 Flexural FlexuralFlexural Stress Flexural Reference Stress Strain at 3.5% Strain ModulusMaterial Label at Yield at Yield (MPa) (MPa) Temp PA66 + PPE “G” 81.92380  23 C. 93.4 2600 −40 C. 44.9 1490  50 C. PA66 + PPE GF20 171 5440 23 C. 195 5670 −40 C. 125 4370  50 C. PA66 GF20 198 6050  23 C. 261 4.5220 6190 −40 C. 144 5090  50 C. PA66 GF 30 “C” 280 4.9 252 8280  23 C.341 4.6 289 8290 −40 C. 178 6660  50 C.

TABLE 11F Flexural Data for Conditioned Specimens Table 1 FlexuralFlexural Flexural Stress Flexural Reference Stress Strain at 3.5% StrainModulus Material Label at Yield at Yield (MPa) (MPa) Temp PA66 + PPE “H”47.4 1460  23 C. 97.6 2830 −40 C. 37 1120  50 C. PA66 + PPE GF20 1294430  23 C. 241 4.9 201 6000 −40 C. 108 3740  50 C. PA66 GF20 107 3730 23 C. 256 4.3 226 6480 −40 C. 85.8 2890  50 C. PA66 GF 30 “D” 145 5360 23 C. 331 4.3 296 9250 −40 C. 118 4420  50 C.

Example 30

This Example 30 illustrates ranges of thicknesses for nylon-6,6 free ofglass reinforcing fibers (Example 30a), nylon-6,6 containing 30 weightpercent glass reinforcing fibers (Example 30b) and polycarbonate(Example 30c),

TABLE 12A Example 30a - Nylon-6,6 with no added glass fiber. Frequency,GHz Thickness range to achieve less than 1 dB — Min Max 0.5 0 mm 5.136mm 6 0 mm 4.28 mm 24 2.53 mm 4.39 mm 30 2.00 mm 3.55 mm 36 1.66 mm 3.04mm 40 1.49 mm 2.73 mm 76 1.96 mm 2.52 mm 81 1.84 mm 2.37 mm

TABLE 12B Example 30b - Nylon-6,6 with 30% by weight glass fiber.Frequency, GHz Thickness range to achieve less than 1 dB — Min Max 0.5 0mm 3.911 mm 6 0 mm 3.25 mm 24 2.46 mm 4.08 mm 30 1.97 mm 3.19 mm 36 1.66mm 2.64 mm 40 1.49 mm 2.38 mm 76 1.85 mm 2.34 mm 81 1.73 mm 2.1 mm

TABLE 12C Polycarbonate with no added glass fiber. Frequency, GHzThickness range to achieve less than 1 dB — Min Max 0.5 0 mm 7.024 mm 60 mm 5.86 mm 24 2.33 mm 5.04 mm 30 1.90 mm 3.95 mm 36 1.55 mm 3.37 mm 401.4 mm 3.03 mm 76 1.94 mm 2.74 mm 81 2.96 mm 3.65 mm

Examples 31A-E: Specimens Including PA66/DI Formulations

Several formulations are prepared that include PA66/DI along with theglass fiber, FR additive, heat stabilizer additive and UV stabilizer inthe compositional ranges shown in Table 13.

TABLE 13 Component Range (wt %) Example 31A Example 31B Example 31CExample 31D Example 31E PA66/DI [45 RV] ≥50 to ≤85 58 64 70 74 78 GlassFiber [GF]  ≥5 to ≤20 15 15 10 10  5 Flame Retardant [FR] Up to 20 20 2020 15 15 Additive UV Stabilizer Additive 0.2-3 Heat stabilizer Additive0.2-2 Colorant/Pigmentation Up to 5 0.2-3 [added at molding step] TOTAL100  100  100  100  100 

In Table 13 formulations, non-limiting examples of FR additive mayinclude Exolit® OP 1080P, Exolit® OP 1314, Exolit® OP 1400, etc. TheExolit® FR additives are commercially available from Clariant.

In Table 13 formulations, non-limiting examples of UV stabilizeradditive may include Carbon Black (19 nm range), organic UV/heatstabilizers such as Irganox® commercial products, phosphite-basedcommercial additives, hindered amine light [HAL] stabilizers [e.g.:Nylostab® produtcs], UV absorber additives, and combinations thereof.

In Table 13 formulations, non-limiting examples of heat stabilizer andchain extending additives may include copper or organic-based such asIrganox® B1171, Irganox® B1098, Bruggolen™ TP-H1802, Bruggolen™ M1251,etc. For example, Irganox® B1171 is a commercial polymer additiveproduct of BASF.

The colorant additive may be added at molding step for Table 13formulations. Non-limiting examples of such colorant additive mayinclude commercial products available in the thermoplastics industry.

The test plaques are prepared using the Table 13 formulations and asdescribed above in the “dielectric constant and dissipation factordetermination” section. The dielectric constants and Loss Tangent valuesare determined according to the test methods described above and in thesignal frequency range of 20-40 GHz. Table 14 provides a summary of thedielectric performance data measured for various specimens preparedaccording to the present disclosure. The term “Loss Tangent” is ameasure of how much the wave will decay due to absorption through amedium.

TABLE 14 At Frequency -> 20 GHz 30 GHz 40 GHz Dielectric Loss DielectricLoss Dielectric Loss Specimen Constant Tangent Constant Tangent ConstantTangent PA66 Neat 3.16 0.0182 3.17 0.0139 3.07 0.0133 [unreinforced]PA66-GF30 3.72 0.0128 3.81 0.0159 3.63 0.0164 Polyamide with 30 wt %glass fiber PA66-PPE 2.85 0.0076 2.88 0.0079 2.82 0.0074 [unreinforced]PA66 GF20 3.35 0.0090 [Polyamide with 20 wt % glass fiber] PA66 GF20with 20% 3.31 0.0080 FR additive, 1% UV additive, 1% colorant PA66/DI[45 RV] 3.00 0.0090

Examples 32A-C: FR Performance Testing for PA66 Specimens

In Table 15 below, the flame retardancy [FR] performance data issummarized for several specimens according to the present disclosure.The tested specimens achieved the overall UL-94 test rating of V-0. Thesimilar UL-94 test rating of V-0 is expected for the PA66/DI specimenswith 20 wt % GF reinforcement, 20 wt % FR additive and up to 3 wt % eachof UV additive and colorant. The FR coatings used in Table 15 arecommercially available.

TABLE 15 Nominal Measured UL-94 Rating Sample Specimen thickness Average[FR ID Description (mm) Thickness (mm) Conditions Performance] 32APA66-PPE 1.5 2.481 As received V-0 with FR coating 2.485 168 hr. @ 70°C. V-0 [unreinforced] 3.0 4.025 As received V-0 4.065 168 hr. @ 70° C.V-0 32B PA66 GF20 1.5 2.466 As received V-0 with FR coating 2.408 168hr. @ 70° C. V-0 3.0 3.912 As received V-0 3.922 168 hr. @ 70° C. V-032C PA66 GF20 1.5 1.464 As received V-0 with 20% FR 1.443 168 hr. @ 70°C. V-0 additive, 1% UV 3.0 2.959 As received V-0 additive, 1% 2.934 168hr. @ 70° C. V-0 colorant

There are a variety of tests and standards that may be used to rate theflame retardant nature of a polymeric resin system. Underwriters'Laboratories Test No. UL 94 serves as one Industry Standard test forflame retardant thermoplastic compounds. “UL 94 Standard for Tests forFlammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices and Appliances”gives details of the testing method and criteria for rating. The testmethod ASTM D635 is Standard Test Method for Rate of Burning or Extentand Time of Burning of Plastics in a Horizontal Position. The testmethod ASTM D3801 is Standard Test Method for Measuring the ComparativeBurning Characteristics of Solid Plastics in a Vertical Position.Vertical burning test ratings (e.g.: V-0, V-1, V-2) are more stringentand difficult to achieve than Horizontal burning ratings (HB-1, HB-2,HB-3).

The Examples surprisingly showed that a nylon-6,6 based formula could bedeveloped to meet the mechanical requirements of a mm wave enclosurewhile transmitting enough mm wave signal to be useful in 5G service. Oneof the reasons this was surprising is that the nylon-66 absorbs water,which is thought to detrimentally affect transmission. Anotherunexpected beneficial feature of this formulation that was found is itscompatibility with various additives, which is better than other basethermoplastics such as polypropylene and polycarbonate. Thermoplasticswere found beneficial for their superior processibility. It was alsosurprisingly found that the addition of 5, 10, 20, 30 or more weightpercent glass fiber (to improve tensile strength and toughness) yieldeda compounded polyamide with acceptable mm wave transmissibility.

As shown in Example 30a for Nylon-6,6 with no added glass fiber, theAttenuation Coefficient value can range up to 3.9 dB/GHz·cm (for 0.5 GHzwave frequency) or can range between 0.05 and 0.07 dB/GHz·cm (for 81 GHzwave frequency). Example 30b for Nylon-6,6 with 30% by weight glassfiber, the attenuation coefficient value can range up to 5.25 dB/GHz·cm(for 0.5 GHz wave frequency), can range between 0.10 and 0.20 dB/GHz·cm(for 36 GHz wave frequency) or can range between 0.055 and 0.075dB/GHz·cm (for 81 GHz wave frequency). Similarly, in the case of Example30c for Polycarbonate with no added glass fiber, the attenuationcoefficient value can range up to 3.0 dB/GHz·cm (for 0.5 GHz wavefrequency) or can range between 0.03 and 0.045 dB/GHz·cm (for 81 GHzwave frequency).

The terms and expressions that have been employed are used as terms ofdescription and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the useof such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of thefeatures shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognizedthat various modifications are possible within the scope of the aspectsof the present invention. Thus, it should be understood that althoughthe present invention has been specifically disclosed by specificaspects and optional features, modification and variation of theconcepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those of ordinary skillin the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered tobe within the scope of aspects of the present invention.

Listing of Aspects.

The following aspects are provided, the numbering of which is not to beconstrued as designating levels of importance:

Aspect 1 provides an enclosure article for protecting a radio antennaoperating in the 0.5 GHz to 81 GHz frequency range, the enclosurearticle comprising a thermoplastic resin comprising:

a first polyamide comprising

-   -   nylon-6,    -   nylon-6,6,    -   a copolymer of nylon-6 or nylon-6,6 comprising at least one        repeating unit that is        -   poly(hexamethylene terephthalamide),        -   poly(hexamethylene isophthalamide), or        -   a copolymer of poly(hexamethylene terephthalamide) and            poly(hexamethylene isophthalamide),    -   a mixture thereof, or    -   a copolymer thereof and

a second polyamide, an additive, or a mixture thereof.

Aspect 2 provides the enclosure article of Aspect 1, comprising a firstplate of a first thickness and a second plate of a second thickness.

Aspect 3 provides the enclosure article of Aspect 2, wherein the firstplate and the second plate differently attenuate electromagneticsignals.

Aspect 4 provides the enclosure article of any one of Aspects 1-3,wherein the thermoplastic resin comprises

the first polyamide;

the second polyamide; and

an additive

Aspect 5 provides the enclosure article of any one of Aspects 1-4,wherein the first polyamide comprises:

nylon-6 or nylon-6,6; and

a copolymer comprising nylon-6 or nylon-6,6, the copolymer comprising atleast one repeating unit that is

-   -   poly(hexamethylene terephthalamide),    -   poly(hexamethylene isophthalamide),    -   a copolymer of poly(hexamethylene terephthalamide) and        poly(hexamethylene isophthalamide), wherein a molar ratio of the        poly(hexamethylene terephthalamide) repeating unit to        poly(hexamethylene isophthalamide) repeating unit is in a range        of from about 60:40 to about 90:10, or    -   a mixture thereof.

Aspect 6 provides the enclosure article of any one of Aspects 1-4,wherein the first polyamide comprises:

nylon-6 or nylon-6,6; and

a copolymer comprising nylon-6 or nylon-6,6 and at least one repeatingunit that is

-   -   poly(hexamethylene terephthalamide),    -   poly(hexamethylene isophthalamide), and/or    -   a copolymer of poly(hexamethylene terephthalamide) and        poly(hexamethylene isophthalamide), wherein a molar ratio of the        poly(hexamethylene terephthalamide) repeating unit to        poly(hexamethylene isophthalamide) repeating unit is in a range        of from about 70:30 to about 75:25.

Aspect 7 provides the enclosure article of any one of Aspects 1-6,wherein the first polyamide is at least one of nylon-6 and nylon-6,6.

Aspect 8 provides the enclosure article of any one of Aspects 1-7,wherein the thermoplastic resin comprises the additive and the additiveis a reinforcing fiber that is up to 50 wt % level of the thermoplasticresin.

Aspect 9 provides the enclosure article of Aspect 8, wherein thereinforcing fiber comprises glass fibers, silicon fibers, carbon fibers,polypropylene fibers, polyacrylonitrile fibers, basalt fibers, ormixtures thereof.

Aspect 10 provides the enclosure article of any one of Aspects 8 or 9,wherein the reinforcing fiber comprises a glass fiber.

Aspect 11 provides the enclosure article of any one of Aspects 1-10,wherein the thermoplastic resin comprises the additive and the additiveis chosen from an ultraviolet resistance additive, a flame retardancyadditive, an anti-static additive, an impact modifier, a colorant, amoisture repellant, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 12 provides the enclosure article of any one of Aspects 1-11,wherein the thermoplastic resin comprises the additive and the additiveis in a range of from about 0.1 wt % to about 30 wt % of thethermoplastic resin.

Aspect 13 provides the enclosure article of any one of Aspects 1-12,wherein the thermoplastic resin comprises the additive and the additiveis in a range of from about 10 wt % to about 30 wt % of the resin,wherein a transmittance loss of the thermoplastic resin is less than 2decibels (dB) for a signal having a frequency between 500 MHz and 40GHz.

Aspect 14 provides the enclosure article of any one of Aspects 1-13,wherein a transmittance loss of the thermoplastic resin within at leastone of a 0.5 GHz to 6 GHz frequency range, a 24 GHz to 30 GHz frequencyrange, and a 36 GHz to 40 GHz range is less than 1 decibel (dB).

Aspect 15 provides the enclosure article of Aspect 14, wherein thetransmittance loss of the thermoplastic resin is less than 0.5 decibels(dB).

Aspect 16 provides the enclosure article of any one of Aspects 1-15,wherein the article fully encloses the radio antenna.

Aspect 17 provides the enclosure article of any one of Aspects 1-15,wherein the article comprises a panel.

Aspect 18 provides the enclosure article of Aspect 17, wherein thearticle has a uniform thickness.

Aspect 19 provides the enclosure article of any one of Aspects 17 or 18,wherein the article has a convex profile, a concave profile, or anundulating profile.

Aspect 20 provides the enclosure article of any one of Aspects 17-19,wherein the panel is windowless.

Aspect 21 provides the enclosure article of any one of Aspects 1-20,wherein the article is weather-resistant.

Aspect 22 provides the enclosure article of any one of Aspects 1-21,wherein a relative weight gain of the article due to moisture uptake isless than 4% upon equilibration in an atmosphere at 70° C. and 62%relative humidity.

Aspect 23 provides the enclosure article of any one of Aspects 1-22,wherein the thermoplastic resin comprises reinforcing glass fiber in upto 50 wt % level of the total composition mass; wherein thethermoplastic resin has:

a tensile strength in a range of from about 40 MPa to about 300 MPa;

a density in a range of from 0.7 g/cm³ to 5 g/cm³;

an impact resistance in a range of from 40 kJ/m² to 150 kJ/m²; and

a signal attenuation of at least one of the following, when a directionof a signal impinging on the article is normal to a surface of thearticle, and wherein an article thickness is substantially uniformacross an area where the signal impinges on the article:

-   -   from 1 dB to 0 dB for signal of frequency 500 MHz to 6 GHz when        the article thickness is from 0.5 mm to 6 mm;    -   from 1 dB to 0 dB for signal of frequency 24 GHz to 30 GHz when        the article thickness is from 0.5 mm to 4.5 mm;    -   from 1 dB to 0 dB for signal of frequency 36 GHz to 40 GHz when        the article thickness is from 0.5 mm to 4 mm; and    -   from 1 dB to 0 dB for signal of frequency 76 GHz to 81 GHz when        the article thickness is from 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm.

Aspect 24 provides the enclosure article of any one of Aspects 1-23,wherein a density of the article is in a range selected from:

greater than or equal to 0.7 g/cm³ to less than or equal to 5 g/cm³;

greater than or equal to 0.8 g/cm³ to less than or equal to 4 g/cm³; and

greater than or equal to 0.85 to less than or greater than 3 g/cm³.

Aspect 25 provides the enclosure article of any one of Aspects 1-24,wherein the thermoplastic resin comprises from 10 to 50 wt % glassfibers.

Aspect 26 provides the enclosure article of Aspect 25, wherein thethermoplastic resin comprises from 12 to 50 wt % glass fibers.

Aspect 27 provides the enclosure article of Aspect 26, wherein thethermoplastic resin comprises 14 to 40 wt % glass fibers.

Aspect 28 provides the enclosure article of any one of Aspects 25-27,wherein the thermoplastic resin has a tensile strength in a range offrom 40 to 300 MPa.

Aspect 29 provides the enclosure article of any one of Aspect 1-28,having a substantially uniform signal attenuation of:

from 1B to 0 dB for signal of frequency 500 MHz to 6 GHz when an articlethickness is from 1.5 mm to 4 mm;

from dB to 0 dB for signal of frequency 24 GHz to 30 GHz when thearticle thickness is from 2.5 mm to 4 mm;

from 1B to 0 dB for signal of frequency 36 GHz to 40 GHz when thearticle thickness is from 1.75 mm to 2.75 mm; or

from 1 dB to 0 dB for signal of frequency 76 GHz to 81 GHz when thearticle thickness is from 1.75 mm to 2.75 mm.

Aspect 30 provides the enclosure article of any one of the Aspects 1-29,comprising at least one of up to 20% of a flame-retardancy additive or aflame-retardancy coating, wherein the enclosure article has a UL-94 testrating of V-0.

Aspect 31 provides the enclosure article of any one of Aspects 1-30,wherein the thermoplastic resin comprises PA66:DI (85:15 to 96:4 wt:wt),glass fiber in a range of about 5 to about 20 wt %, a flame-retardantadditive in a range of up to about 20 wt %, a UV additive in a range ofup to about 3 wt %, a heat stabilizer additive in a range of up to about2 wt %, and a colorant additive in a range of up to about 3 wt %.

Aspect 32 provides the enclosure article of any of Aspects 1-31, whereinthe enclosure article is formed by one of injection molding,thermoforming, compression molding, or extrusion.

Aspect 33 provides a system comprising the enclosure article of any oneof Aspects 1-32, spaced apart from the radio antenna.

Aspect 34 provides the system of Aspect 33, wherein the radio antennaoperates in a frequency band associated with 5G broadband cellularnetwork technology.

Aspect 35 provides a system comprising:

the radio antenna; and

the enclosure article of any one of Aspects 1-34, substantiallyenclosing the radio antenna.

Aspect 36 provides the system of Aspect 35, wherein the radio antennaoperates in a frequency band associated with 5G broadband cellularnetwork technology.

Aspect 37 provides an enclosure article for protecting a radio antennaoperating in the 0.5 GHz to 81 GHz frequency range, the enclosurearticle comprising nylon-6,6.

Aspect 38 provides a method comprising transmitting electromagneticradiation through the enclosure of any one of Aspects 1-37.

What is claimed is:
 1. An enclosure for protecting a radio antenna, theenclosure comprising: a thermoplastic resin comprising a polyamide,wherein the enclosure is free of portions and windows for transmissionof an electromagnetic signal having a frequency range of 0.5 GHz to 81GHz and that are free of the thermoplastic resin, wherein a relativeweight gain of the enclosure due to moisture uptake is less than 4% uponequilibration in an atmosphere at 70° C. and 62% relative humidity. 2.The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic resin comprises:85:15 to 96:4 wt:wt PA66:DI, wherein DI comprises a combination of2-methyl-pentamethylenediamine and isophthalic acid), nylon-6,nylon-6,6, a copolymer of nylon-6 or nylon-6,6 having at least onerepeating unit that is poly(hexamethylene terephthalamide),poly(hexamethylene isophthalamide), or a copolymer of poly(hexamethyleneterephthalamide) and poly(hexamethylene isophthalamide), a mixturethereof, or a copolymer thereof.
 3. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein adensity of the enclosure is in a range of from greater than or equal to0.8 g/cm³ to less than or equal to 4 g/cm³.
 4. The enclosure of claim 1,wherein the enclosure comprises a reinforcing fiber distributed aboutthe thermoplastic resin.
 5. The enclosure of claim 4, wherein thereinforcing fiber is selected from the group consisting of a glassfiber, a silicon fiber, a carbon fiber, a polypropylene fiber, apolyacrylonitrile fiber, a basalt fiber, and a mixture thereof.
 6. Theenclosure of claim 1, wherein the enclosure is configured to fullyenclose the radio antenna.
 7. The enclosure of claim 1, furthercomprising an ultraviolet resistance additive, a flame retardancyadditive, an anti-static additive, an impact modifier, a colorant, amoisture repellant, and a combination thereof.
 8. An enclosure forprotecting a radio antenna, the enclosure comprising: a thermoplasticresin comprising: 85:15 to 96:4 wt:wt PA66:DI, wherein DI comprises acombination of 2-methyl-pentamethylenediamine and isophthalic acid,nylon-6, nylon-6,6, a copolymer of nylon-6 or nylon-6,6 having at leastone repeating unit that is poly(hexamethylene terephthalamide),poly(hexamethylene isophthalamide), or a copolymer of poly(hexamethyleneterephthalamide) and poly(hexamethylene isophthalamide), a mixturethereof, or a copolymer thereof; a reinforcing fiber in a range of about5 to about 20 wt % of the enclosure, a flame-retardant additive in arange of up to about 20 wt % of the enclosure, a UV additive in a rangeof up to about 3 wt % of the enclosure, a heat stabilizer additive in arange of up to about 2 wt % of the enclosure, and a colorant additive ina range of up to about 3 wt % of the enclosure.
 9. The enclosure ofclaim 8, wherein a relative weight gain of the enclosure due to moistureuptake is less than 4% upon equilibration in an atmosphere at 70° C. and62% relative humidity.
 10. The enclosure of claim 8, the enclosure isconfigured to fully enclose the radio antenna.
 11. The enclosure ofclaim 8, wherein the enclosure is free of portions and windows fortransmission of an electromagnetic signal having a frequency range of0.5 GHz to 81 GHz and that are free of the thermoplastic resin.
 12. Theenclosure of claim 8, wherein the thermoplastic resin is homogenouslydistributed about the enclosure.
 13. The enclosure of claim 8, whereinthe thermoplastic resin ranges from about 30 wt % to about 85 wt % ofthe enclosure.
 14. A method comprising: transmitting an electromagneticsignal having a frequency range of 0.5 GHz to 81 GHz through anenclosure, the enclosure comprising a polyamide and having asubstantially uniform signal attenuation of: from 1 dB to 0 dB forsignal of frequency 500 MHz to 6 GHz when an enclosure thickness is from1.5 mm to 4 mm, from 1 dB to 0 dB for signal of frequency 24 GHz to 30GHz when the enclosure-thickness is from 2.5 mm to 4 mm, from 1 dB to 0dB for signal of frequency 36 GHz to 40 GHz when the enclosure thicknessis from 1.75 mm to 2.75 mm, or from 1 dB to 0 dB for signal of frequency76 GHz to 81 GHz when the enclosure thickness is from 1.75 mm to 2.75mm, wherein the signal is transmitted through the polyamide.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, wherein the polyamide comprises: 85:15 to 96:4 wt:wtPA66:DI, wherein DI comprises a combination of2-methyl-pentamethylenediamine and isophthalic acid), nylon-6,nylon-6,6, a copolymer of nylon-6 or nylon-6,6 having at least onerepeating unit that is poly(hexamethylene terephthalamide),poly(hexamethylene isophthalamide), or a copolymer of poly(hexamethyleneterephthalamide) and poly(hexamethylene isophthalamide), a mixturethereof, or a copolymer thereof.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein theenclosure is free of portions and windows for transmission of anelectromagnetic signal having a frequency range of 0.5 GHz to 81 GHz andthat are free of the polyamide.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein theelectromagnetic signal is transmitted through any portion of theenclosure comprising the polyamide.
 18. The method of claim 14, whereinthe electromagnetic signal is associated with a 5G network.
 19. Themethod of claim 14, wherein the enclosure is disposed in an outdoorenvironment.
 20. The method of claim 14, further comprising transmittinga plurality of electromagnetic signals through the enclosure, theplurality of signals independently having a frequency range of 0.5 GHzto 81 GHz.